Stolen Bitcoin returned to cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex

In a surprise announcement, hacked Hong Kong cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex said it has had stolen Bitcoin returned to it by United States law enforcement.

A total of 27.66270285 Bitcoin will be distributed among exchange customers who had funds stolen and who hold recovery right tokens, on a pro-rata basis, its chief financial officer Giancarlo Devasini said.

Bitfinex was raided in August 2016, following a smaller hack the year before in which 1500 Bitcoin were taken.

The 2016 heist saw 119,765 Bitcoin taken from Bitfinex users' wallets, valued at A$95 million at the time.

After the hack, Bitfinex generalised losses incurred across all accounts.

The 27.66270285 Bitcoin represents just over 0.023 per cent of the total amount of cryptocurrency taken or around A$148,352.67 at current exchange rates.

How the US government seized the stolen Bitcoin was not disclosed.

Devasini extended an open invitation to the Bitfinex hackers or anyone who has information about the breach to contact him to "finally resolve the situation in a mutually beneficial manner."