Israel Extradites Suspect to US Over $2.8M Crypto Hack

What Happened in the Nomad Bridge Case?

Israeli authorities extradited Alexander Block to the United States on October 29. The Israeli-Russian citizen now faces federal charges in California related to a $2.8 million crypto hack.

U.S. prosecutors claim that Block exploited a flaw in the Nomad blockchain bridge. This flaw allowed him to withdraw digital tokens without depositing any backing assets.

After taking the tokens, he allegedly swapped them into other cryptocurrencies. He then moved the funds between multiple digital wallets to hide where they came from.

How Cross-Chain Bridges Work

To understand this case, it helps to know how cross-chain bridges operate. Think of a bridge as a vault connecting two separate blockchain networks.

Normally, users lock their crypto assets on one blockchain. The system then issues corresponding tokens on another blockchain.

However, coding flaws can create severe security gaps. Prosecutors say Block used an automated glitch to withdraw funds without providing the required collateral.

The Airport Arrest and Name Change

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of California indicted Block in August 2023. He faces eight counts involving computer offenses, transferring stolen property, and money laundering.

Following the indictment, American authorities sent a formal extradition request to Israel in December 2024.

Israeli police arrested Block at Ben-Gurion Airport in May 2025 as he prepared to board a flight to Russia.

Before his arrest, Block had legally changed his surname from Gurevich to Block. He was traveling with a new passport under his updated name.

Why Israel's Supreme Court Rejected His Appeal

The Jerusalem District Court initially approved Block's extradition in July 2025. Block quickly appealed the decision to Israel's Supreme Court.

His legal team raised two main defenses during the appeal process:

• The transactions used built-in system functions, so they were not unlawful computer intrusions.
• Public blockchain transparency meant he could not be guilty of disguising or laundering funds.

Israel's Supreme Court firmly rejected both claims. Judges ruled that taking advantage of software flaws constitutes unlawful computer intrusion, even if code allows it.

The court added that public blockchains do not prevent money laundering. While transactions are visible, wallet owners remain anonymous, allowing hackers to hide asset origins.

Global Law Enforcement Cooperation

After the Supreme Court dismissed Block's final appeal, Israeli officials completed his transfer to the U.S. early on October 29.

The State Attorney's Office stated that the transfer involved smooth international coordination across several key divisions:

• The State Attorney's International Department
• Israel Police's operational coordination division
• Interpol units

This case highlights how international law enforcement agencies work together to prosecute cross-border digital asset crimes.