Just In: Netflix Faces Cease and Desist Over Razzlekhan Bitcoin Heist Documentary

Netflix has been served with cease-and-desist letters over its documentary, Biggest Heist Ever, which focuses on the multi-billion-dollar Bitcoin theft linked to Heather “Razzlekhan” Morgan and her husband, Ilya Lichtenstein. The letters, sent by Morgan’s attorneys on Monday, accuse Netflix and production company Library Films of defamation and privacy violations.

Netflix Cease and Desist Over Razzlekhan Bitcoin Heist

According to sources close to the matter, Netflix has received complaints regarding alleged inaccuracies in the documentary’s portrayal of Heather Morgan and her involvement in the 2016 Bitfinex Bitcoin heist.

Morgan’s attorneys pointed out that the film states that she and Lichtenstein bought passports and debit cards on the dark web, which is a lie.

The legal team has stated that these claims are baseless and should have been easily cleared by conducting a simple investigation. They argue that Morgan’s records of cases in the public court reveal that he was not an active participant in the hack. Her lawyers noted that these misrepresentations are detrimental to her image and sustain the belief that she was the mastermind of the theft.

The cease-and-desist letters also referred to Morgan’s father in law whom was reportedly portrayed as a hacker in the film. Her lawyers described this as defamatory and that there is no evidence to support this claim.

Privacy Concerns Over Wedding Footage

Another major concern highlighted in the letters is the infringement of the privacy laws. Morgan’s lawyers say that the documentary contained the scenes from her wedding where guests were filmed without their consent for broadcast.

According to California’s two-party consent law, it is unlawful to record private activities without consent from all the people involved. Serena Wu, Morgan’s attorney, said in a statement, “We must ensure that privacy rights of the citizens are not violated.” The legal team has called for the excision of all scenes depicting guests at the wedding from the film.

If these demands are not met then Morgan’s attorneys have threatened to engage in further legal proceedings which may involve seeking for both damages and an injunction.

Legal Threats and Netflix’s Silence

Morgan’s legal team also threatened that any disregard to the demands that have been laid down by the company could lead to a legal suit. They are willing to take all legal measures in order to ensure that Morgan is granted every possible remedy.

“Ms. Morgan expressly reserves all of her legal and equitable rights,” the letter says. This encompasses the right to financial compensation and to have the content in question being taken down by the court.

Neither Netflix, Library Films, or the cease-and-desist letters have provided a response to these accusations. It is not yet known if any alterations will be made to the already produced documentary to meet the demands.

Background on the Netflix Case

The Biggest Heist Ever documentary examines the 2016 Bitfinex hack, in which 120,000 Bitcoin—now valued at over $12 billion—were stolen. Ilya Lichtenstein, Morgan’s husband, was convicted of the hack and sentenced to five years in prison.

Morgan pleaded guilty to charges of laundering the stolen funds and received an 18-month sentence. Despite this, her legal team continues to contest claims that she had a direct role in the hacking operation.