John McAfee, Antivirus Creator, Found Dead in Spanish Prison While Awaiting Extradition to U.S.

Antivirus software creator John McAfee was found dead in a Spanish prison hours after his extradition to the U.S. was approved, the Associated Press reported. McAfee was 75.

McAfee, who was wanted on charges of tax evasion, was detained in the Spanish prison last October and was held awaiting the outcome of a hearing on extradition.

This is a breaking news story, more will be added to as the Associated Press updates.

John McAfee Interview 2019
U.S. millionaire John McAfee gestures during an interview with AFP on his yacht anchored at the Marina Hemingway in Havana, Cuba, on June 26, 2019. The antivirus creator was found dead in a Spanish prison... Adalberto Roque/Getty Images

Spain's National Court has approved the extradition of the entrepreneur to the United States, where he was wanted on tax-related criminal charges that carry a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

The decision could have been appealed and the final extradition would have needed approval by the Spanish Cabinet.

Tennessee prosecutors charged McAfee with evading taxes after failing to report income made from promoting cryptocurrencies while he did consultancy work, as well as income from speaking engagements and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary.

The charges refer to the three fiscal years from 2016 to 2018, according to the Spanish court's ruling on Wednesday.

In a hearing held via video link this month, McAfee argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and said he would spend the rest of his life in prison if he was returned to the U.S.

John McAfee Listens During Internet Security Conference
John McAfee listens during the 4th China Internet Security Conference (ISC) in Beijing on August 16, 2016. The antivirus creator was found dead in a Spanish prison hours after his extradition to the U.S. was... Ng Han Guan/Associated Press

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer



To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go