Ethereum Developer Virgil Griffith Released from Prison, Seeks Trump Pardon

Virgil Griffith, a former Ethereum developer, has been released from prison and is heading to a halfway house, according to his lawyer Alexander Urbelis. Griffith served part of his 56-month sentence at FCI Milan, a low-security prison in Michigan, for violating U.S. sanctions by attending a crypto conference in North Korea in 2019.

Griffith was arrested in November 2019 after presenting at a Pyongyang blockchain event, where he discussed how Ethereum and cryptocurrency could be used to bypass sanctions. Though he initially contested the charges, he pleaded guilty in 2021 to conspiracy to violate international sanctions. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison and a $100,000 fine—well below the 20-year maximum he could have received. The sentence was later reduced to 56 months due to his status as a first-time offender.

Griffith had been released on bail after his arrest but was later jailed again for violating bail terms by attempting to access a crypto account to fund legal expenses. His legal team hopes he will soon transition from the halfway house in Baltimore to home confinement.

However, long-term challenges remain. Griffith faces years of probation and a Department of Commerce export ban lasting until 2032, which restricts him from participating in any tech or software exports—making it difficult for him to return to the crypto industry.

Urbelis stated they are actively seeking a pardon from former President Donald Trump, calling Griffith’s prosecution “fundamentally un-American.” Trump has previously pardoned crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht and Arthur Hayes, raising hopes for Griffith’s case. The legal team believes a pardon would allow Griffith to rebuild his life and contribute meaningfully to the tech world once again.