Rafael Yakobi, Esq. Founder, Senior Managing Partner
Spanning six years of exclusive practice in the cryptocurrency space, Rafael has extensive regulatory experience at the state and federal levels, including matters involving the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), and countless state regulators. In addition to proactive or defensive regulatory work, Rafael advises a variety of startups including crypto exchange operators, token issuers, and DeFi protocol developers to help them navigate their legal obligations, mitigate risks, and focus on growing their businesses, disrupting existing regimes, or experimenting with censorship-resistant, immutable, decentralized technology.
Rafael’s initial interest in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency began in 2013. Since then, he has gained extensive understanding and experience with fundamental and technical analysis, market operations and risks, arbitrage, custodial and cyber-security procedures, and the political, philosophical, and economic motivations that set the stage for the ubiquitous rise of cryptocurrency. As the world began to finally notice the technological and economic disruption taking place in this arena, Rafael felt compelled to get involved, contribute, and support what is likely to be the most important technological revolution of our generation.
Prior to the formation of The Crypto Lawyers, Rafael litigated complex securities class actions against the biggest financial institutions in the world, represented consumers in class actions combating corporate malfeasance, prosecuted antitrust class actions against bad actors in the financial and commodity space, represented whistleblowers in False Claims Act cases against corporations that defrauded taxpayers, defended the rights of individuals charged with white collar and other crimes on Wall Street, and represented investors and financial advisors in FINRA, AAA, and JAMS arbitrations.
Admissions
- The State Bar of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
Recent Publications and Appearances
- Feds Will Contact Victims of Million-Dollar Crypto Scam 'via NFT' After Founder's Guilty Plea Decrypt
- Our response to FinCEN on proposed rules for bitcoin mixing Samourai
- There's a Fake Trezor Wallet in the Apple App Store Draining Crypto Decrypt
- Federal Judge Approves Service of Court Papers Through NFTs FullyCrypto
- Plaintiff Wins Case Against Hackers After Serving Court Papers via NFT Decrypt
- Regulatory Risks and Compliance The Fair Launch Summit
- Understanding Your Legal Rights Citadel Dispatch
- Should Coinjoin Users be Flagged? Stephan Livera podcast
- Bitcoin Fungibility, Mixing And The Legal Limits On Maintaining Privacy. Bitcoin Magazine
- Episode 38 The Swan Signal
Agustin M. Barbara, Esq. Managing Partner
Agustin is a seasoned industry expert and pioneer in confronting the challenges of illicit cryptocurrency activity. He brings a unique blend of technical training and legal expertise as a registered patent attorney to navigate the evolving realm of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency law. With a keen understanding of the sophisticated techniques employed by criminals, including the creation of deceptive online investment platforms and the adept use of social engineering, Agustin stands as a steadfast defender against illicit activities.
Agustin continues to distinguish himself through his active leadership in spearheading high-profile cryptocurrency and blockchain-related investigations. His relentless pursuit of justice is evident in his zealous advocacy for victims of pig butchering scams, hacks, ransoms, and various criminal activities within the cryptocurrency sphere. This commitment is further underscored by Agustin's tangible track record in the successful recovery of stolen cryptocurrencies.
Agustin received his bachelor’s degree at Florida International University (FIU), where he specialized in Biomedical Engineering. Agustin graduated summa cum laude from the FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business with a Master of Business Administration, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, Agustin worked as a research associate in the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, where he focused on using various cell-based, genetic, and transgenic technology to uncover the functions of various genes in normal development and in various diseases. Agustin’s research in identifying the role played by relaxin family peptides and their receptors in various physiological systems was published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Biology of Reproduction and Molecular Endocrinology.
Admissions
- The State Bar of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Recent Publications and Appearances
- Plaintiff Wins Case Against Hackers After Serving Court Papers via NFT Decrypt
- How Web3 Changes the Content Model? Meta Futurist
- NFT Trends to Watch in 2022 and Beyond Meta Futurist
- NFTs and Intellectual Property: Exploring the Legal Landscape and Key Issues NFT.NYC
- NFT Law: Are NFTS Legal? DCentralCon
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Novel Issues in Commercial Litigation iLaw2022: The ILS Global Forum on International Law, April 1, 2022
Rodrigo M. Barbara, (CCI) Director of Forensics and Investigations
Rodrigo Barbara is the Director of Forensics and Investigations at The Crypto Lawyers. With an extensive background in law enforcement, Rodrigo possesses a deep understanding of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency transactions, and the complexities involved in investigating digital financial crimes.
Rodrigo is recognized for his proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge analytics and investigative software to yield successful results and demystify the tracking and tracing of cryptocurrency transactions across the blockchain. His track record is marked by numerous achievements, including the successful identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in cryptocurrency-related theft and scams. Rodrigo's efforts have led to the recovery of millions of stolen cryptocurrencies and the seizure of illicit funds.
Beyond his contributions to The Crypto Lawyers, Rodrigo actively assists local, state, and federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies nationwide in tracking, tracing, and monitoring illicit cryptocurrency activities. His collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement and regulatory bodies to combat financial crimes in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital currencies.
D. Fernando Bobadilla, Esq. Of-Counsel
D. Fernando Bobadilla, B.C.S. (Board Certified Specialist) is Of Counsel to The Crypto Lawyers. Fernando is an experienced U.S. and international business litigator, and also an expert in Intellectual Property ("IP") Law. Fernando is IP Law Board Certified by the Florida Bar and is a member of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar.
Fernando litigates a wide range of cryptocurrency matters including disputes arising out of cryptocurrency misdelivery, theft, fraud, and injunctions. Fernando also litigates a wide range of commercial matters such as breaches of contract, tortious interference, breach of fiduciary duty, RICO, bond issues, defamation, and civil theft. In addition, he litigates intellectual property matters including trademark, trade dress, copyright, trade secret, non-compete, computer hacking, domain name, and false advertising disputes.
Fernando represents domestic and international businesses and high net worth individuals, as well as digital IP publishers, artists and entertainers. He handles matters across the nation in both federal and state courts as well as before U.S. and international arbitrators. Fernando is bilingual (English/Spanish) and has litigated international arbitrations in Spanish.
Fernando earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law, with honors, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science / Latin American Studies from Florida International University, with high honors. Fernando was born and attended high school in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition to living in Budapest, Hungary, he pursued university and law school studies at the University of Salamanca, Spain, and at Leiden University, Holland.
Admissions
- The State Bar of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Gage Thomas, Juris Doctor Law Clerk
