After almost two years, after the US federal government accused Crypto Six of being an unlicensed money transmitter, the case seems to be coming to an end. According to various reports, Keene resident and libertarian activist Ian Freeman, the last member of the Crypto Six case to be tried, was found guilty on all counts including money transmission without a license, money laundering, and tax evasion. Freeman faces eight years in prison but was not taken into custody Friday afternoon (ET). The report details that he must appear for sentencing on April 14, 2023, or appeal the verdict.
Ian Freeman Convicted of Unlicensed Money Transfer, Sentencing Scheduled for April 2023
During the first week of December 2022, Bitcoin.com News reported in the case of Crypto Six and how the co-host of the radio broadcast Free Talk Live, Ian Freeman, was preparing to lead to the trial. Freeman is the only remaining defendant in the Crypto Six case, as he decided to take the matter to trial in order to bring the case before a jury.
The charges against Freeman were originally filed on March 16, 2021, when US federal agents dragged Shire Free Church in Keene New Hampshire, Bitcoin Embassy, and Free Talk Live studio. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said that “the defendants knowingly operated crypto exchange businesses in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws and regulations.”
After the jury was selected, Freeman’s trial officially began on December 6, 2022. 16 days later, Free Talk Live co-host Mark Edge announced on Facebook that Freeman had been found guilty. “Ian is guilty on all counts. unlicensed money transmission, money laundering, and tax evasion,” Edge said. The verdict of the trial as well revealed by local news publication The Keen Sentinel.
The Sentinel’s Rick Green wrote that “a federal jury convicted Keene resident Ian Freeman on felony charges related to his cryptocurrency business.” Green confirmed the Edge’s statement that Freeman was convicted of “operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, money laundering, and income tax evasion.”
The reporter also noted that Freeman was not arrested and remanded in court on April 14, 2023. Green also noted that Freeman’s defense attorney Mark Sisti told the court that the government’s case was based on “speculation, innuendo, and intuition. but lack of evidence.”
Several members of the Crypto Six case pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges last April. While Freeman is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in April, the Free Talk Live co-host can appeal the verdict in the meantime.
What do you think about the co-host of Free Talk Live Ian Freeman who was found guilty of unlicensed money transmission by the jury there? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.
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