MIT graduates seek to exclude Google search results in blockchain theft case

According to PANews, two MIT graduate brothers, Anton and James Pereira-Bueno, have filed a motion in the Federal Court of Manhattan in New York to exclude their Google search records as evidence in a case involving the alleged theft of $25 million in cryptocurrency due to a blockchain vulnerability.

Prosecutors aim to use the brothers' searches for terms such as "best crypto lawyers" and "statute of limitations for wire fraud" 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 concerning 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 decide whether these search records can be admitted as evidence of criminal intent or whether they simply reflect reasonable behavior during legal consultations.