The United States Justice Department has opposed former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith's motion to reduce his 2022 sentence for violating sanctions on North Korea. In a June 17 filing, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams argued against reducing Griffith's 63-month prison sentence to as little as 51 months, emphasizing the severity of Griffith's actions.

Key Points:

1. Opposition to Sentence Reduction: Prosecutors argued that Griffith knowingly violated U.S. sanctions by providing services to North Korea, despite the country's history of atrocities and threats against the U.S.

2. Event in North Korea: Griffith spoke at a cryptocurrency conference in Pyongyang in 2019, advocating for the use of cryptocurrency to evade sanctions and engage in money laundering.

3. Personality Disorders: Griffith's lawyers claimed he suffered from obsessive-compulsive and narcissistic personality disorders, leading to an obsession with North Korea.

4. Prison Incidents: Prosecutors cited disciplinary actions against Griffith for minor infractions during his prison stay, suggesting a lack of respect for rules and regulations.

5. Request for Sentence Revision: Griffith's legal team sought a revised sentence based on updated sentencing guidelines, potentially reducing his prison time by up to a year.

6. Export Privilege Ban: Regardless of the criminal case outcome, the U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed a 10-year export privilege ban on Griffith, restricting his engagement in any transactions involving commodities, software, or technology under U.S. export regulations until 2032.

Conclusion:

The opposition from the U.S. Justice Department underscores the seriousness of Griffith's actions and the potential consequences he faces. Despite his legal team's efforts to reduce his sentence, Griffith's future remains uncertain, with significant restrictions already imposed by the U.S. government.