A dual Russian-Swedish national, Roman Sterlingov, has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for operating a bitcoin money laundering service on the darknet. From 2011 to 2021, Sterlingov managed Bitcoin Fog, which became known as a money laundering hub for criminals. It processed over 1.2 million bitcoin transactions, valued at approximately $400 million at the time.
In March 2024, after a month-long trial in the District of Columbia, Sterlingov was found guilty of several charges including money laundering conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Alongside his prison sentence, he is required to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $395,563,025.39 and forfeit seized cryptocurrencies valued at around $1.76 million.
“Roman Sterlingov ran the longest-running bitcoin money laundering service on the darknet, and today he paid the price,” stated Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. She emphasized that this sentencing reflects efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri highlighted that Sterlingov's operation facilitated various crimes including drug trafficking and identity theft: “Today’s sentencing underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to holding those who facilitate criminal activity fully accountable for their crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves remarked on the significance of this case: “Today’s sentence sends an unmistakable message: those who help criminals with online payments for their illegal activities will face serious penalties.”
Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation commented on the failure of Sterlingov's attempt to conceal his activities: “Today’s significant prison term and hundreds of millions in financial sanctions against the defendant emphasizes the seriousness of this conviction.”
FBI Assistant Director David Sundberg issued a warning to cybercriminals: “The FBI will not hesitate to use all tools at its disposal...to disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem.”
The investigation was conducted by IRS-CI District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit and FBI Washington Field Office with support from international authorities including Europol.
Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and C. Alden Pelker from CCIPS led the prosecution alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown.
