Ethereum Foundation researcher Virgil Griffith has reportedly been denied bail in New York. Currently detained, Griffith is appealing the activeness.

"Griffith was presented yesterday and ordered detained," James Margolin, the chief public information officer for the U.S. Attorney'south Office in Southern Commune of New York, told Cointelegraph in an email on Dec. 27.

"He is highly-seasoned and there will be [a] hearing before Estimate Broderick," Margolin said, naming Jan. 9 as the preliminary hearing date.

The U.S. Commune Courtroom for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) rejected the selection of bail for Griffith, a written report from Inner City Press detailed on Dec. 26.

Griffith starting time faced arrest on Nov. 28 for allegedly traveling to North korea to provide instruction on dodging sanctions via blockchain and crypto, Cointelegraph reported at the time. According to the state department'due south allegations, Griffith's actions breached the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Charges confronting Griffith could potentially land him up to xx years in jail.

Griffith allegedly disowned his condition as an American national via text messages to family members, according to texts quoted by the U.Due south. Attorney's office, accorded to Inner Metropolis Press, who were past their own business relationship lonely with Griffith's parents in the audition at the court advent. Griffith'southward texts besides allegedly included intent to facilitate money laundering activities in North Korea.

Griffith's lawyer, last name Buckley, also reportedly provided inconsistent details during pre-trial proceedings, noting that Griffith both endemic and rented a dwelling in Puerto Rico, explaining that cryptocurrency activities are increasing on the isle.

Cointelegraph also reached out to Griffith's lawyer, Brian Klein, for comment, merely received no responses as of press time. This article will be updated if new information comes in.

In September, Cointelegraph reported on N Korea's desire to create its own national crypto asset.