A Movie in the Works: The Bitfinex Hack
Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly working on a movie based on the true story of a couple involved in laundering billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin connected to the 2016 hack of the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex. The film, titled “Razzlekhan,” will portray the couple as “Bitcoin’s Bonnie and Clyde.” It draws inspiration from a New York Times article that detailed their role in laundering funds from the hack.
The Story and Production
The movie, directed and written by Hannah Marks, will focus on Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan. Lili Reinhart, known for her role in “Riverdale,” will co-produce. The couple admitted to orchestrating the Bitfinex hack, which resulted in the theft of 120,900 Bitcoin. They were arrested by U.S. authorities in February 2022, and the seized Bitcoin had surged to over $3 billion by then.
A Complex Case
The couple’s attempt to maintain digital anonymity led them to launder stolen funds through a series of cryptocurrency transactions. They agreed to forfeit their gains but could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. In August 2023, an additional $475 million tied to the heist was recovered.
The Razzlekhan’s Journey
Heather Morgan, also known as Razzlekhan, had a background in cybersecurity and was an aspiring rapper and Forbes contributor before her arrest. The film will explore her journey from cybersecurity to the cryptocurrency space, shedding light on her involvement in the heist and subsequent arrest.
A Mysterious Twist
Since her release on bail, Morgan has distanced herself from the cryptocurrency and NFT spaces. However, NFTs featuring Razzlekhan mysteriously disappeared from the NFT marketplace, OpenSea, adding an enigmatic layer to the narrative.
Exploring Cryptocurrency Stories
While “Razzlekhan” takes a dramatic approach to the couple’s lives, other studios have explored cryptocurrency-related stories through documentaries. Netflix released a documentary on QuadrigaCX founder Gerald Cotten in 2022, and rumors of a documentary on the relationship between FTX and Binance CEOs have circulated.
Hot Take: A Thrilling Tale of Crime and Justice
With a talented team behind the camera and a real-life story as its foundation, “Razzlekhan” aims to captivate audiences with a thrilling narrative of crime, digital intrigue, and the pursuit of justice. It is another example of how cryptocurrency-related stories are making their way into mainstream media.