**Ethereum Developer Virgil Griffith Released from Prison, Transitions to Halfway House After 56-Month Sentence for North Korea Blockchain Lecture**
Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum researcher who faced imprisonment for discussing blockchain technology in North Korea, has officially left federal custody as of April 9. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has confirmed his transfer to a halfway house, where he will be under supervision until he completes his parole. Crypto developer Brantly Millegan shared the news, emphasizing that Griffith must adhere to strict guidelines during this transitional period.
“VIRGIL GRIFFITH IS OUT OF PRISON!!! Just released this morning! He’ll be in a halfway house for a few weeks, followed by parole with work restrictions (making a pardon still important), but HE IS OUT!” Millegan tweeted.
Griffith was charged in 2019 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) after delivering a lecture in Pyongyang about blockchain’s potential to circumvent sanctions. Prosecutors claimed that his presentation provided “technical guidance” to a sanctioned regime, despite the fact that the material he used was publicly available. Griffith has consistently argued that the information he shared posed no unique risk.
For those unfamiliar with Griffith, he is considered an early pioneer in the Ethereum community, having contributed significantly to the Ethereum Foundation and the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). His presentation, titled “Blockchains for Peace” in North Korea, drew the attention of the U.S. government, leading to his legal troubles. He was never convicted of any crime, as the government threatened him with a lengthy sentence if he did not accept a plea deal.
In terms of his legal journey, Griffith initially contested the charges, filing motions to dismiss the case in 2020. After extensive negotiations, he accepted a plea deal in 2021, resulting in a 63-month sentence and a $100,000 fine. In 2024, his legal team sought leniency, citing his good behavior in prison and health issues. Prosecutors opposed this request, arguing that Griffith’s actions posed a threat to national security. Ultimately, Judge Kevin Castel reduced his sentence to 56 months in July 2024, paving the way for his early release.
Griffith’s case highlights the ongoing tension between decentralized technology and government regulation. His lecture underscored blockchain’s ability to facilitate cross-border transactions without intermediaries—a characteristic that regulators view as a potential risk for sanctions evasion. While advocates argue that such technologies can enhance financial inclusion, they also recognize the potential for misuse.
Griffith’s release comes at a time of increased scrutiny regarding the role of cryptocurrency in geopolitical conflicts. The U.S. Treasury has recently expanded its sanctions monitoring for blockchain companies, reflecting concerns similar to those raised in Griffith’s case. Meanwhile, developers continue to explore privacy-focused protocols, pushing the boundaries of legality. As Griffith embarks on his journey toward parole, his situation remains a focal point in discussions surrounding innovation, free speech, and national security. For now, his move to the halfway house marks a significant step forward.
