A British hacker accused of being involved in a £35million cryptocurrency heist will not be extradited to the US because of his Asperger's and mental health, a judge ruled today.
Corey De Rose is wanted in the US for allegedly using a technique called 'Sim Swapping' or 'Sim Hijacking' when he was a teenager to steal the identities and cryptocurrency wallets of American citizens.
The 22-year-old, of Earls Court, was wanted for taking part in the hacking of Reggie Middleton, CEO of financial technology company Veritaseum, who claimed he lost £6.5m after his phone was hacked.
He said his mobile phone provider, T-Mobile, agreed to a SIM swap without his knowledge - which led to the thefts.
Edward Fitzgerald QC, defending, told Westminster Magistrates' Court that De Rose has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and has a history of self-harm and attempted suicide.
Judge Griffiths accepted he would be at high risk of suicide in the US if he was to be detained awaiting trial, especially if the prison were to be locked down in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak.
Corey De Rose, 22, (pictured) is wanted in the US for allegedly using a technique called 'Sim Swapping' or 'Sim Hijacking' when he was a teenager to steal the identities and cryptocurrency wallets of American citizens.
'Sim Hijacking' is a hacking technique that involves capturing a person's identity through their mobile phone provider, giving the hacker control of the phone for them to steal bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The US can appeal the decision and a hearing has been set for February 7 for them to set out their intentions. De Rose remains on bail.
One of the previous conditions of bail were that he had to carry a mobile phone at all times so that his movements could be traced. Mr Fitzgerald said the condition has now been removed as it was giving him too much anxiety.
District Judge Sarah-Jane Griffiths described the extradition request as 'unjust', 'oppressive' and 'disproportionate' given the state of Dr Rose's mental health and the lack of available treatment in a US prison.
De Rose almost jumped off Wandsworth bridge but was talked down by
