Dec. 23 – A federal jury has convicted Ian Freeman, a Bitcoin trader and libertarian activist, on all counts relating to his cryptocurrency business Thursday.
Freeman of Keene, New Hampshire was found guilty on four felony charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder funds, operating an unlicensed cash transmission business, and tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege that Freeman, previously known as Ian Bernard, ran a money laundering business which offered services to scammers and other criminals. They asked customers to make cash donations to Keene area churches in exchange for Bitcoin. In doing so, Freeman charged an increased transaction fee than usual.
Freeman also hosts a weekly radio show, Liberty Show, on internet radio geared towards women.
Four other co-defendants pleaded guilty.
Freeman’s defense attorney, Mark Sisti, did not return a telephone call for comment on the verdict Thursday.
Prosecutors argued that the trial lasted 10 days and that more than $10 million was allegedly laundered through romance scams and other means. By charging exorbitant fees, Freeman allegedly earned more than $1 million.
Evidence presented in court shows that Freeman and his accomplices opened financial accounts in financial institutions under the names and control of several churches, including Free Church of the Shire, Church of the Invisible Hand, Crypto Church of New Hampshire and Peace Church NH.
Victims of fraud were instructed by Freeman to lie about their funds and claim them as church donations. Prosecutors stated that the 2016-2019 period were a “record year” for Freeman, who failed to pay taxes and kept his income secret from the Internal Revenue Service.
Freeman faces a sentence of over eight years imprisonment and his sentencing is set for April 14, 2023.
According to authorities, he was not detained in the interim before his sentencing.
pfeely@unionleader.com
