Crypto Trail ends with a murder conviction. Coinbase pursued the murderer

The brutal crime in New York’s nightlife has been brought to trial as a blockchain detective with Coinbase exposed murderers, recovered funds, and crypto’s role in redefining crypto’s role in law enforcement.

Coinbase says, “This was one of the most difficult cases we supported.”

Paul Grewal, chief justice officer at Crypto Exchange Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), revealed on May 6 that the company’s blockchain forensics team played a key role in a criminal investigation that led to multiple convictions in New York City. As part of Coinbase’s ongoing “Consumer Protection Tuesday” initiative, Growal outlined how Coinbase can work with crimes against people at the New York Police Department to link a series of violent robberies, overdoses and thefts to the city’s nightlife.

The case centers around a pattern of attacks targeting individuals who target outside bars and clubs in Manhattan’s seventh and ninth precincts. Victims were drugs, their cell phone was stolen, and their financial and crypto accounts were empty using Face ID or forced PIN input. grewal said:

In some cases, the victim was found dead from the fentanyl lace material. In total, more than $250,000 was stolen on multiple platforms, including Coinbase.

The criminal group quickly transferred funds through banking apps, peer-to-peer services and cryptographic platforms. Tragically, several casualties did not recover.

Coinbase’s rapid response and blockchain analysis have proven to help track the movement of stolen funds. Grewal emphasized: “Our blockchain analysis tied multiple wallets to the same crew, recovered evidence across Fiat and Crypto Rails, and assisted in a 24-count conviction, including a second murder. This case shows that cryptography is not a risk. The data upheld the charges of Jake Wang Hamilton, Robert DeMaio and Jacob Barroso, who were found guilty of 24 counts, including murder, robbery and conspiracy. The two also faced burglary convictions.

Reflecting the broader meaning of the study, Grewal pointed out.

This was one of the most difficult cases we have supported. But it also highlights the power of blockchains to uncover the truth, even when suspects are getting quite long to hide their trucks.

He also addressed the recognition of often negative codes in law enforcement contexts. “This case reminded me that cryptography does not exist in a vacuum. It intersects with the real world. In this case, it is deeply tragic.