A Russian-Israeli citizen, Alexander Gurevich, is at the center of a legal whirlwind as he faces extradition to the United States for his alleged involvement in the notorious $190 million Nomad bridge hack. Gurevich, who reportedly attempted to flee to Russia under the guise of a new identity, was intercepted at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport on May 1, 2025, according to sources familiar with the case.
A Complicated Web of Allegations
The saga of the Nomad hack stretches back to August 2022, when a security vulnerability in the cross-chain protocol was exploited, leading to a cavalcade of copycat attacks and massive losses. Gurevich is accused not only of siphoning off $2.89 million worth of tokens himself but also of allegedly laundering millions in stolen funds. His arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, which U.S. authorities have pursued with dogged determination. This incident is part of a larger trend, as highlighted in our recent coverage of the spike in crypto losses in April, which included the 5th-largest-ever hack.
Gurevich’s legal troubles began after his return from an overseas trip in April, which was quickly followed by a summons to appear before the Jerusalem District Court. In a twist worthy of a spy novel, he reportedly changed his name to “Alexander Block” and obtained a passport under this new identity, perhaps in a bid to outsmart authorities. But his plans unraveled as Israeli law enforcement nabbed him just before he could board his flight to Russia.
The Telegram Connection
What sets this case apart is the alleged communication between Gurevich and Nomad’s chief technology officer, James Prestwich, on Telegram. Prosecutors claim that Gurevich, using an alias, reached out to Prestwich, confessing his role in the hack and expressing regret for the chaos he had caused. In a surprising move, Gurevich reportedly returned $162,000 to a recovery wallet set up by Nomad—a gesture that some might interpret as an attempt to mitigate his culpability.
However, the plot thickens with claims that Gurevich demanded a hefty $500,000 reward for identifying the vulnerability, even as discussions with Prestwich reached a stalemate. These alleged exchanges, which have been disseminated by journalist Yoav Itiel on X, shed light on a complex negotiation that was anything but straightforward.
High Stakes and Legal Maneuvers
U.S. federal authorities are taking this case seriously, having filed an eight-count indictment against Gurevich in California back in August 2023. The charges include computer crimes and money laundering—offenses that could land him a 20-year sentence if convicted. It’s a steep price, considerably harsher than what Israeli law would impose, which may explain the urgency behind the U.S. extradition request submitted in December 2024.
The Nomad bridge hack, which rattled the crypto community, highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in the burgeoning decentralized finance sector. As blockchain networks continue to expand, the incident serves as a cautionary tale of the potential risks and the lengths to which authorities will go to enforce accountability. This is particularly relevant given the recent surge in crypto token failures, with 1 in 4 launched since 2021 dying in Q1.
Looking Forward
As Gurevich’s legal journey unfolds, the case raises broader questions about the security frameworks of cryptocurrency platforms and the cross-border legal challenges in prosecuting cybercrimes. The extradition proceedings in Israel could set a precedent, emphasizing the international cooperation necessary to tackle such sophisticated financial crimes.
For the crypto world, the outcome of this high-profile case will reverberate beyond the immediate parties involved. It underscores the critical need for robust security measures and the importance of regulatory frameworks that can adapt to the fast-paced evolution of digital currencies.
What remains to be seen is whether this legal pursuit will deter future cybercriminals or merely push them to become more sophisticated. As the story develops, industry watchers and participants alike are left pondering the implications for the future of blockchain security.
Source
This article is based on: Suspect in $190M Nomad hack to be extradited to the US: Report
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
