Heather Morgan Threatens to Sue Netflix Over Bitfinex Heist Documentary

Heather Morgan, also known as “Razzlekhan,” isn’t staying quiet. The rapper-turned-fraudster, convicted for laundering stolen Bitcoin from the 2016 Bitfinex hack, is now gearing up for a legal battle against Netflix. Her attorneys have accused the streaming giant of spreading falsehoods in its latest documentary, Biggest Heist Ever.

On January 27, Morgan’s legal team, led by attorney Serena Wu, fired off a cease-and-desist letter to Netflix and production company Library Films. The claims? Defamation, privacy violations, and outright fabrications. One major point of contention—Netflix allegedly painted Morgan’s father-in-law as a hacker, despite zero evidence linking him to the crime.

The Netflix Documentary Under Fire

Morgan and her husband, Ilya Lichtenstein, became infamous after being arrested for laundering over 120,000 stolen Bitcoin from the Bitfinex breach. But while Lichtenstein admitted to executing the actual hack, Netflix’s documentary reportedly suggested that his father was also involved—a claim Morgan’s team calls “reckless and false.”

• Lichtenstein publicly stated he acted alone in the cybercrime.
• Morgan’s legal team argues Netflix misrepresented key facts to sensationalize the documentary.
• The cease-and-desist letter demands the removal of defamatory content and a public correction.

The documentary, meant to expose one of the largest crypto crimes in history, may have taken creative liberties that could now land Netflix in legal trouble.

Morgan’s Legal Battle Before Prison

Time isn’t on Morgan’s side. She’s set to begin her 18-month prison sentence on February 4, while Lichtenstein will serve five years. That hasn’t stopped her from pushing back against Netflix’s portrayal of her and her family.

Her legal argument hinges on California’s strict privacy laws. The state enforces strong protections against defamation and the unauthorized use of personal details. Morgan’s attorneys claim the documentary violated these laws by associating her father-in-law with the heist without concrete proof.

“This isn’t just about my client,” Serena Wu stated in a letter obtained by Decrypt. “This is about holding media companies accountable for recklessly damaging reputations with misinformation.”

Could Netflix Face Legal Consequences?

Morgan’s legal threats aren’t empty. If Netflix doesn’t comply, she could take the matter to court. But how likely is it that a lawsuit would hold up?

Legal experts say Morgan would need to prove:

• Netflix’s claims were false and damaged reputations.
• The documentary caused real harm, whether financial, reputational, or emotional.
• There was malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth.

Defamation cases against media companies aren’t easy to win, especially when dealing with high-profile criminal cases. But if Morgan’s team proves Netflix knowingly included misleading details, the streaming platform could be forced to issue corrections—or even face financial penalties.

The Bigger Picture: Crypto Crime and Media Narratives

Morgan’s case highlights a growing issue—how mainstream media portrays cybercriminals. With cryptocurrency crimes becoming a hot topic, documentaries like Biggest Heist Ever can shape public perception, sometimes at the cost of accuracy.

Netflix has yet to comment on Morgan’s allegations. Whether they’ll edit the documentary or stand their ground remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Morgan’s fight against the media will unfold as she prepares to serve time for her real-life role in one of crypto’s most notorious heists.