An early Ethereum network adviser is suing the U.S. government for $9.6 billion, alleging federal agents “maliciously” investigated and prosecuted him.

In a legal complaint filed on TK, Steven Nerayoff's lawyers allege government agents fabricated federal charges against their client in 2019.

According to the lawsuit, as part of their “collective and concerted fishing expedition,” federal agents subpoenaed, surveilled and even arrested Nearyoff, despite knowing the charges against him were “factually and legally baseless.”

“Federal agents and officers… launched an unhinged and unlawful, four-year campaign against Mr. Nerayoff,” lawyers said in the complaint.

Nerayoff was arrested in 2019 for allegedly extorting 10,000 ether from a crypto startup. The legal battle that ensued lasted …