Did Ethereum Researcher Help North Korea Dodge Sanctions?

A core concept behind a blockchain-based cryptocurrency was the creation of a currency that was not in the control of, or reliant on, any single banking institution or country. This would offer the world a borderless digital currency that could be used anywhere and in any way the holder wanted.

As is the case with anything that provides anonymity this led to the early adopters of virtual currencies like Bitcoin being dark web black market sites like SilkRoad where you could buy anything from a car to narcotics with your Bitcoin.

As the ideology, and free-market value, of crypto coins, became a hot topic in the press so broad-based consumer understanding increased, and with-it mainstream acceptance.

 North Korea Seek Aid Dodging Sanctions

In a move reminiscent of its earlier underground roots Ethereum researcher and developer, Virgil Griffith, has found himself in hot water the US government for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

National Security Attorney General, John Demers, said:

“Despite receiving warnings not to go, Griffith allegedly travelled to one of the United States’ foremost adversaries, North Korea, where he taught his audience how to use blockchain technology to evade sanctions"

If Griffith is found guilty of intentionally assisting an enemy of the U.S. to avoid financial sanctions he could be facing as much as 20 years in prison.

 Fear-Based Knee Jerk Response?

Despite the strongly worded allegations against Griffith, there is some doubt about whether his actions should be deemed as nefarious. Attendees of the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference agree that sanctions and the use of crypto technology to avoid them were never one of the conference agenda.

An Italian attendee, Fabio Pietrosanti, who is not facing any charges from his country, described the event a sleepy affair with a haphazard program and talks that shared "basic Google-level knowledge".

In particular, this was due to the speakers needing to share their ideas and concepts via translators. This made it near impossible to become overly complex so none of the information amounted to anything new to an audience already keen on blockchain development or cryptocurrencies.

 Ethereum Bend The Knee

Since his indictment, the Ethereum Foundation has suspended Griffith from his role as Head of Special Projects.

For a technology sector born out of the need to see power and control over their lives put back into the hands of each individual, the saddest part of this affair is seeing Ethereum buckle under the pressure of potential bad press.

It would have made a stronger case for cryptocurrencies across the board if Ethereum had stood by Griffith, and supported his decision to put the objectives of global freedom and development above governmental stalemates and inflammatory accusations meant to rile up the public without presenting any evidence to support them.

The only question remaining is whether common sense will win out or whether the US will try to make an example out of Griffith for daring to challenge Big Brother.