FBI Subpoenas Bitcoin Developers' Personal Data in Theft Probe

The FBI issued a subpoena to Bitcoin non-profit Brink, requesting personal information of attendees at a 2022 Bitcoin core developer event, as part of an investigation into the theft of 216 BTC from developer Luke Dashjr. Co-founder Mike Schmidt disclosed the subpoena's existence, stating that he had provided the FBI with attendees' email addresses, GitHub usernames, and names, but did not have further details on the investigation's focus.

FBI Subpoenas Personal Information of Bitcoin Core Developers in Theft Investigation

In a startling development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a subpoena demanding the personal information of attendees at a 2022 Bitcoin core developer event. This bombshell revelation comes from Mike Schmidt, co-founder of Bitcoin non-profit Brink, who confirmed via email that he had received the subpoena.

Schmidt's email, shared publicly by a pseudonymous X user named mikeinspace, states that the subpoena is related to a hack that resulted in the theft of 216 BTC from Bitcoin developer Luke Dashjr. Schmidt was legally advised to cooperate with the investigation.

The subpoena compel Schmidt to provide the FBI with the email addresses, GitHub usernames, and full names of attendees at the October 2022 CoreDev Atlanta event, held just before TABConf 2022. Schmidt was subject to a one-year gag order imposed by the FBI, which expired just before his recent disclosure.

Schmidt emphasized that he has not had any further contact with the FBI and declined to elaborate on the specifics of the investigation.

This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Bitcoin community, raising concerns about the FBI's motives and the potential for surveillance targeting cryptocurrency users.

"This is a worrisome development," said Jackson Matlock, a spokesperson for Brink. "It raises questions about the FBI's approach to investigating cryptocurrency-related crimes and the potential for encroachment on privacy rights."

Dashjr, the victim of the theft, disclosed in December 2022 that he had lost over 200 BTC due to a Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) key compromise. At the time, the stolen funds were valued at approximately $3.3 million. Today, the value of 200 Bitcoin has skyrocketed to over $14 million.

The FBI's subpoena is not the first time that law enforcement agencies have targeted cryptocurrency users. In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the FBI collaborated on an investigation into a false tweet claiming the launch of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

The cryptocurrency community remains vigilant as it monitors the ongoing FBI investigation and its potential implications for the industry. Concerns persist about the balance between law enforcement objectives and the preservation of individual privacy rights in the digital age.