$65 Million Crypto Heist: Mathematician Hacker Evades Capture After DeFi Exploits
February 4, 2025
Prosecutors allege that Medjedovic executed deceptive trades to steal approximately $16.5 million from Indexed Finance in 2021 and $48.8 million from KyberSwap in 2023.
He faces serious charges including wire fraud, computer hacking, attempted extortion, and money laundering, all stemming from his actions against these blockchain platforms.
Medjedovic, a highly educated individual with a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo, is accused of exploiting vulnerabilities in decentralized financial platforms and laundering the proceeds.
U.S. Attorney John J. Durham emphasized the sophistication of Medjedovic's methods, which prompted investigations by the IRS, FBI, and other federal agencies.
The investigation linked him to the hacking activities through a paper trail of online accounts, revealing his identity as a notable mathematician.
Since December 2021, Medjedovic has been evading capture, reportedly moving between various countries, including locations in Europe and South America, and an unnamed island nation.
Despite international cooperation in the investigation, Medjedovic remains at large, with authorities confirming he is not believed to be in the U.S.
He publicly admitted to being the hacker behind the Indexed Finance exploit, claiming that exploiting code vulnerabilities was not illegal.
Prosecutors assert that despite claiming to have reformed as a 'whitehat' hacker, he was already plotting the KyberSwap attack just months after the first incident.
The indictment alleges that Medjedovic manipulated smart contracts to withdraw millions at inflated prices, rendering investors' funds worthless.
This case highlights the ongoing risks associated with DeFi platforms and the vulnerabilities that can be exploited, as well as law enforcement's increasing focus on cryptocurrency-related crimes.
Concerns for Medjedovic's safety have emerged, with reports of death threats and worries from his parents about his well-being.
Summary based on 12 sources
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Sources

Ars Technica • Feb 4, 2025
22-year-old math wiz indicted for alleged DeFI hack that stole $65M
The Globe and Mail • Feb 4, 2025
U.S. authorities charge Canadian teen math whiz in alleged US$65-million cryptocurrency scheme
The Register • Feb 4, 2025
US accuses Canadian math prodigy of $65M crypto scheme
CoinDesk • Feb 4, 2025
U.S. Prosecutors Charge Canadian Man With $65M Hacks of Indexed Finance, KyberSwap