Couple accused in $4.5-billion bitcoin scheme to be separated before trial

Washington – The New York couple charged with conspiracy to launder over $4 billion in stolen bitcoin will be separated before trial — D.C. Chief District Judge Beryl Howell ruled Monday that the husband would be detained and his wife would be freed, partially undoing the decision of a New York judge who had ordered their release on bond last week. 

Russian national Ilya Lichtenstein, whose social media accounts identify him as a "tech entrepreneur," is accused of attempting to launder the proceeds of almost 120,000 bitcoin stolen in a 2016 hack of Bitfinex, an online cryptocurrency exchange. 

His wife, Heather Morgan, who was also charged, will be free under strict custodial supervision.