🌋 Netflix Unveils the Story Behind the Bitfinex Hack
posted 30 Dec 2024
Netflix continues to thrill audiences with documentaries diving into the world of cryptocurrency. Following "The Hunt for the Crypto King" and "Crypto Boy," the streaming giant unveils "Biggest Heist Ever"—a story about how an unlikely duo managed to steal billions in BTC.
The documentary centers on the infamous Bitfinex hack in August 2016, where $72 million in BTC was stolen—now valued at an eye-watering $4.5 billion. At the heart of this crime story (or comedy, depending on your perspective) are Heather Morgan, aka "Razzlekhan," an amateur rapper with a unique artistic flair, and her husband Ilya Lichtenstein. Together, they seem to have proven that being a criminal mastermind isn’t a prerequisite for pulling off one of the largest heists in history.
The film explores how the "Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde" (as dubbed by the media) tried to launder their stolen cryptocurrency.
This is where things take an intriguing turn. While the Bitfinex hack itself could be explained by technical prowess (the film hints that Lichtenstein may have inherited such skills from his hacker father), their money-laundering strategies border on ridiculous. Gift cards, lavish wedding presents (perhaps to flaunt their newfound success), and other questionable methods make you wonder: were they really serious?
Razzlekhan is also a standout character. Her rap career, to put it mildly, was unsuccessful, but her determination was undeniable. Even after federal agents came knocking, she continued releasing her songs, showcasing her flamboyant outfits, and maintaining an active presence on social media as if nothing had happened. Whether this was an intentional distraction or simply a reflection of her eccentric personality is left open to the audience's interpretation.
Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein. Source: nypost
The film also highlights the efforts of law enforcement, which spent five years tracking down the perpetrators. Featuring representatives from TRM Labs, the documentary underscores the importance of collaboration between agencies in solving the case. Naturally, they don’t miss the chance to emphasize the "brilliance" of the criminals, who essentially incriminated themselves through their own blunders.
After watching "Biggest Heist Ever," three conclusions come to mind:
"Biggest Heist Ever" is an engaging story about how not to launder cryptocurrency. Whether you should watch it is up to you, but the film certainly evokes mixed emotions. Then again, isn’t that exactly what cinema is meant to do?
- Hackers may be the most sought-after partners—if their spouse is careful and strategic, they might secure financial stability for generations to come.
- Even the most intricate cybercrimes can be undone by simple human mistakes. For instance, labeling a box of evidence “burner phones” and storing it in your closet is not exactly a masterstroke.
- Federal investigations move slowly enough that careful criminals (see point one) might slip through the cracks—provided they don’t throw extravagant, six-figure weddings to flaunt their wealth.
More breaking news
More breaking news
Breaking news
Crypto Scams and Hacks Hit Record Lows: CertiK Report
