NEW YORK – A cybersecurity consultant was found guilty of stealing nearly US$55 million (S$70.4 million) in cryptocurrency, some of which was spent to acquire rare Pokemon cards and other collectibles.

Jonathan Spalletta was convicted by a New York jury on Oct 7 after just over two hours of deliberation.

Prosecutors accused Spalletta of carrying out two attacks in 2021 against Uranium Finance, a cryptocurrency exchange that shut down after he drained about US$55 million from the platform. 

Spalletta faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on a money-laundering count relating to his use of crypto mixers like Tornado Cash. US District Judge Jed Rakoff set his sentencing for Feb 16, 2027. 

The case drew attention in part because of what…