Convicted Crypto Trader in Mango Markets Heist Faces Child Pornography Charges
Avraham Eisenberg, the crypto trader recently found guilty of the $110 million heist from the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Mango Markets, now faces additional charges related to the possession of child pornography.
The new allegations detailed in court documents claim that some of the images in Eisenberg’s possession depicted prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
Key points:
- Avraham Eisenberg, convicted of fraud and market manipulation in the Mango Markets heist, has been charged with possession of child pornography.
- According to court documents, Eisenberg was accused of possessing images of prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
- The material was first discovered on Eisenberg’s cell phones and laptops during an initial search related to the charges of market manipulation and fraud.
- Investigative journalist Christopher Brunet, who first reported the child pornography charges, claims to have screenshots of Eisenberg “talking about children in really disgusting ways.”
Also read: New UK Legislation Enables Seizure And Destruction Of Crypto Linked To Crime
The allegations against Eisenberg surfaced after a prior court document, filed in August 2022. It revealed that the illicit material was first discovered on his electronic devices during a preliminary examination related to the charges of fraud and market manipulation stemming from the Mango Markets heist.
The government applied for and obtained a second warrant in February 2023 after discovering the material. It expanded the scope of the original search to include evidence of child pornography possession and receipt.
Mango Markets Exploiter Allegedly Possessed Child Pornography Images From 2017
According to the latest court filing, Eisenberg allegedly possessed and transferred child pornography images from 2017 to 2022. The document states, “The defendant knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, computer disk, and other material that contained an image of child pornography that had been mailed, shipped and transported using a means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce and in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.”
Investigative journalist Christopher Brunet first reported the child pornography charges against Eisenberg. He also claimed to have screenshots of Eisenberg “talking about children in really disgusting ways.” However, it is important to note that the allegations outlined in the court documents have not yet been proven in court.
Also read: Warren Raises Alarm On Crypto’s Role In Child Sexual Abuse In Letter To DOJ
In October 2022, the court found Eisenberg guilty of fraud and market manipulation for his involvement in the $110 million Mango Markets heist.
The crypto trader exploited a vulnerability in the DeFi protocol’s smart contracts to artificially inflate the price of the platform’s native token, MNGO. Additionally, he then borrowed against his inflated holdings, effectively draining the platform of its funds.
