British cryptocurrency expert accused of helping North Korea avoid sanctions by the US

North Korea’s first cryptocurrency conference proffered an irresistible prize to digital currency evangelists. Held in Pyongyang in April 2019, it promised a rare glimpse into the hermit kingdom’s fabled cryptocurrency sector, which experts believe the country is using to help fund its weapons programmes.

Three years on, that conference has sparked an extensive US investigation, which has already led to the conviction and 63-month imprisonment of Virgil Griffith, an American citizen and former developer with the blockchain ethereum, one of eight foreigners who attended. Now, the dragnet has also ensnared Christopher Emms, a Briton, who is awaiting an extradition hearing in Saudi Arabia having been detained there under an Interpol red notice.

Last month the FBI added Emms to its most wanted list,

Originally published at https://www.thetimes.co.uk on June 12, 2022.