Hacker behind $190M Nomad heist arrested in Israel after identity change attempt

Gurevich, who embezzled millions from the Nomad platform, was apprehended in Israel after attempting to leave the country under a new identity.

An Israeli-Russian national was arrested last week while allegedly attempting to flee Israel under a false identity, and now faces extradition to the US in connection with a major crypto hack that caused nearly $190 million in damages.

Alexander Gurevich was taken into custody on May 1 at Ben-Gurion Airport just before boarding a flight to Russia, local media reported.

Authorities said he had legally changed his name and received a new passport the day before his arrest. He is accused of stealing millions in digital assets from a US-based crypto firm in 2022 and attempting to extort a reward afterward.

Hacker’s demands

US federal prosecutors allege that Gurevich exploited a vulnerability in a blockchain platform known as Nomad on Aug. 1, 2022, withdrawing approximately $2.89 million in crypto. Others later exploited the flaw, leading to total losses of roughly $190 million.

Following the incident, Gurevich allegedly contacted Nomad’s chief technology officer through encrypted messaging apps, admitted to the theft, and transferred back about $162,000 in stolen tokens.

He also reportedly requested a $500,000 reward in exchange for details about how the vulnerability was discovered. However, when the company countered with a smaller offer, equivalent to 10% of the amount he had withdrawn, Gurevich cut off communication and vanished.

The FBI’s San Francisco field office later opened a criminal investigation, leading to an eight-count indictment filed in August 2023 in the Northern District of California.

Charges include wire fraud, money laundering, and transportation of stolen property. If convicted, Gurevich could face up to 20 years in prison for the most serious offenses.

Escape attempt thwarted

Gurevich reentered Israel on April 19, during the Passover holiday, and was immediately ordered by authorities to appear for an extradition hearing.

However, Gurevich ignored the summons and legally changed his name in the Population Registry to “Alexander Block.” He subsequently applied for a new passport and attempted to flee to Russia on May 1 after securing it.

He was arrested just before departure and appeared in court the next day in handcuffs. Prosecutors from Israel’s State Attorney’s Office submitted a formal request to declare him extraditable on May 2.

Judge Einat Avman-Moller ordered Gurevich to remain in custody ahead of a scheduled hearing. The Public Defender’s Office represented him during the hearing. Israeli authorities involved in the operation include the National Fraud Unit and the Tel Aviv Fraud Division.

Because Gurevich was not residing in Israel at the time the alleged crimes were committed, he is unlikely to serve any sentence in Israel if convicted abroad.