MIT Graduates Seek to Exclude Google Searches in Blockchain Theft Case

According to PANews, two MIT graduate brothers, Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, have filed a motion in the New York Manhattan Federal Court to exclude their Google search records as evidence in a case involving the alleged theft of $25 million in cryptocurrency through a blockchain vulnerability. Prosecutors aim to use the brothers' searches for terms like "top crypto lawyers" and "wire fraud statute of limitations" to demonstrate criminal intent. However, the defense argues that these searches occurred during legal consultations and are protected by attorney-client privilege. This case is notable as it is the first criminal case involving the MEV-boost blockchain vulnerability. If convicted, the brothers could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge. U.S. District Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke will determine whether these search records can be admitted as evidence of criminal intent or if they merely reflect reasonable legal consultation behavior.