Three sources with knowledge of the matter said the FBI searched the home of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken executive Jesse Powell in March as part of a criminal investigation into allegations that he hacked and cyber-harassed a nonprofit he founded.
The sources said the investigation focused on the non-profit organization's allegation that Powell, who also founded Bitcoin exchange Kraken, interfered with computer accounts and blocked access to emails and other messages.
Three sources with knowledge of the matter said agents of the FBI and the US Northern District of California's District Attorney's Office have been investigating Powell since at least last fall.
Agents searched Powell's home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and confiscated electronic equipment, according to a person familiar with the searches and documents reviewed by The New York Times. Prosecutors did not charge Mr. Powell with any crime.
A Kraken spokesperson said the investigation had nothing to do with the company and Kraken had no reason to believe prosecutors were investigating other potential issues.
*Not investment advice.
