Netflix’s new documentary “Biggest Heist Ever” had all the makings of a true crime masterpiece: a husband and wife duo, billions in stolen Bitcoin, and a rap career thrown in for good measure. But while the premise was intriguing, the execution left me wanting more.
The documentary follows Ilya “Dutch” Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan who managed to hack one of the largest bitcoin exchanges in history. Although the scale of their crime is mind-boggling, the documentary seemed more focused on Morgan’s ridiculous rap career (known to many as “RazzleKhan”). I mean, the cringeworthy music videos and her attempt at stardom were fun, but they just took attention away from what made the movie worthwhile.
Here’s what the documentary missed: SPOILERS
- The Family Trade: According to reports, Ilya’s father had been investigated for hacking an Indiana bank years earlier. This family relationship with cybercrime seems like the key detail we blew off. Was hacking a pedagogical discipline in the Lichtenstein household? How did his upbringing shape his criminal career?
- Witness Protection, Please! In a bizarre development, Ilya insists on witness protection as part of his plea bargain. This raises so many questions! Who is he afraid of? What is the threat he faces that calls for his disappearance when he is finished? The documentary barely mentions this bombshell.
- Russian Connection: The documentary mentions a potential Russian connection but doesn’t explore it. Were there any third parties involved in the theft? And did their behavior have broader international consequences? This perspective might have been quite interesting.
It’s disappointing because “Biggest Heist Ever” could have been an epic thriller about cybercrime, identity, and the dark side of crypto. Rather, it was a waste of an opportunity that rewarded readily available footage rather than in-depth investigative reporting.
Have you watched “Biggest Heist Ever”? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
