John McAfee charged with cryptocurrency tax evasion has committed suicide

The founder of the popular McAfee antivirus software has been reported dead. According to reports, he died in a prison cell in Barcelona after the court approved his extradition to the U.S.

The 75 years old software entrepreneur was arrested in October last year at Barcelona-El Prat Airport when he was about to board a flight to Turkey.

McAfee was charged by the United States for evading taxes in cryptocurrencies worth millions of dollars. On Wednesday, the highest court in Spain approved to extradite him to the U.S to face further prosecution.

But that is not going to happen again, as he allegedly committed suicide a few hours after that.

McAfee failed to remit taxes to authorities

U.S. authorities say McAfree did not file tax returns between 2914 and 2018 after making millions of dollars from several deals. These include his promotion of cryptocurrency, working as a consultant, and selling the rights to his life’s story for a documentary.

The U.S. authorities say these engagements fetched him a considerable amount but he failed to remit his taxes for any of them. Under U.S. laws, tax evasion charges can carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

The Catalan justice department stated that McAfee died by possible suicide. Medics and prison officers tried to save his life but it was too late. The statement reads,

Apparent suicide by handing

McAfee’s lawyer stated on Wednesday that it appears that McAfee hanged himself in his prison cell.

McAfee’s personal life drew similar attention to his professional achievements. He was a participant in Libertarian party presidential debates in 2016 and has also dabbled into the U.S. presidential race twice. He also had interests in the production of herbal medications, ultra-light aircraft, as well as yoga.

McAfee has also been entangled in a murder case. He claimed he had nothing to do with the murder case, but rather was the actual target.