‘Razzlekhan’ bitcoin laundering case to include classified information

Quick Take

  • The “Razzlekhan” bitcoin laundering case will involve classified information, according to a new order signed by a district court judge.
  • Heather Morgan, known by her “Razzlekhan” rapper nickname, is accused of laundering billions in stolen bitcoin with her husband.

The story of the “Razzlekhan” rapper who allegedly laundered billions in stolen bitcoin with her husband has taken another twist: The trial will include classified information.

A district court judge signed a protective order in the case, indicating it will involve “classified national security information” that can only be accessed by people with security clearance.

“The Court finds that this case will involve classified national security information, the storage, handling, and control of which, by law or regulation, requires special security precautions, and access to which requires a security clearance and a need-to-know,” the filing says.

Who Is Razzlekhan?

THE SCOOP

Keep up with the latest news, trends, charts and views on crypto and DeFi with a new biweekly newsletter from The Block's Frank Chaparro

By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Heather Morgan, known by her rapper name “Razzlekhan,” and her husband and co-defendant Ilya Lichtenstein, are accused of laundering $4.5 billion in stolen bitcoin. The pair were arrested in February and charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The accusations are tied to the 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex.

The new classified information filing, known as a Classified Information Procedures Act Protective Order, was signed by U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Chief Judge Beryl Howell. The order covers information that has been classified by the Executive Branch as “secret,” “top secret” or “sensitive compartmented information.”

The order designated Daniella Medel as the classified information security officer in the case and named several alternate officers who can provide security arrangements. Unauthorized use or disclosure of classified information could violate criminal law, the order warned.


© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

About Author

Stephanie is a senior reporter covering policy and regulation. She is focused on legislation, regulatory agencies, lobbying and money in politics. Stephanie is based in Washington, D.C.

Editor

To contact the editor of this story:
Jason Shubnell at
[email protected]