Coin.mx operator pleads guilty in bitcoin case tied to 2014 JPMorgan hack

Anthony Murgio, operator of defunct Coin.mx bitcoin exchange, has ended his involvement in the probe of the massive JPMorgan Chase hack by pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The 33-year-old Florida resident pleaded guilty to three charges: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transfer business and conspiracy to obstruct examination of an unlicensed financial institution.

The guilty plea was part of Murgio’s plea bargain with federal prosecutors, who, less than three weeks ago, released a new indictment against Murgio and two others. Murgio was accused of operating Coin.mx, which authorities said was an unlicensed money transfer business that used digital currency to launder cash for internet criminals—including drug dealers—and facilitate extortion schemes.

To facilitate business with the Coin.mx site, Murgio reportedly opened U.S. bank accounts under the name Collectable’s Club, while maintaining a website under the same name that claimed to cater to members looking to sell items like stamps and sports memorabilia.