Nomad Bridge Hacker Arrested in Israel
Alexander Gurevich, a Russian-Israeli citizen suspected of stealing $2.89 million in cryptocurrency from the Nomad bridge, faces US extradition 2025 following his arrest on May 1 at Ben-Gurion Airport. Gurevich attempted to flee to Russia under a new identity, “Alexander Block,” after changing his name and obtaining a new passport. He was due to appear in Jerusalem District Court for an extradition hearing but skipped the session. US authorities accuse him of exploiting a vulnerability in Nomad’s code in August 2022, leading to the theft. Gurevich contacted Nomad’s CTO, James Prestwich, via Telegram using a fake account, returned $162,000 to a recovery wallet, and then demanded a $500,000 bounty before cutting contact.
Details of the Nomad Bridge Hack
The Nomad bridge hack 2022 was a significant breach in the DeFi space, with Gurevich allegedly initiating the exploit that drained $2.89 million. The vulnerability he exploited allowed others to copy his method, resulting in a total loss of $190 million for Nomad, a California-based company. Prestwich offered Gurevich a 10% reward for returning the stolen assets, but negotiations broke down after Gurevich sought a larger sum. The incident highlighted the fragility of cross-chain bridges and sparked discussions on DeFi security vulnerabilities at events like TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025, where experts emphasized the need for robust smart contract audits.
Legal Consequences and Charges
US authorities have charged Gurevich with computer crimes, money laundering, and transferring stolen property. The Nomad bridge hacker faces US extradition 2025, with the money laundering charge alone carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence—far harsher than penalties under Israeli law. The US filed an eight-count indictment in the Northern District of California in August 2023, followed by a formal extradition request in December 2024. Gurevich’s arrest underscores the growing international cooperation in tackling crypto-related crimes, as authorities work to hold perpetrators accountable across borders.
What’s Next for Gurevich?
The timeline for Gurevich’s extradition remains unclear, but his legal battle is expected to be lengthy. If convicted in the US, the Nomad bridge hacker faces US extradition 2025 and a significant prison term, reflecting the severity of the charges. This case serves as a reminder of the risks in DeFi and the increasing scrutiny on crypto platforms to comply with global regulations. As the crypto industry evolves, incidents like the Nomad bridge hack 2022 continue to shape discussions on security and accountability.