Alexander Gurevich, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen, was arrested at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport on May 1 while attempting to flee to Russia under a new name. 

The 47-year-old is accused of participating in the 2022 hack of US-based Nomad, a crypto bridge, which resulted in the theft of nearly $190 million in digital assets, according to reporting from The Jerusalem Post. 

According to a US extradition request, Gurevich exploited a vulnerability in Nomad’s code, withdrawing about $2.89 million in tokens. 

He later contacted Nomad’s CTO under a false identity, apologized, returned a fraction of the funds, and demanded a $500,000 “reward” for finding the bug. 

Authorities say he ceased communication after Nomad offered him 10% of the stolen assets.

Gurevich changed his name to “Alexander Block” on April 29 and obtained a new passport the next day. Israeli police arrested him at the airport before he could board his flight. He appeared in court on May 2 in handcuffs.

20 years in prison

US prosecutors filed an eight-count indictment against Gurevich in 2023, including computer fraud and money laundering charges. 

If convicted in the US, he faces up to 20 years in prison — substantially more than he would under Israeli law.

Gurevich immigrated to Israel in 2017 but reportedly spent much of his time abroad, including in Africa. His extradition is being pursued by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office, with a hearing scheduled for Sunday.