India’s Arrest of Russian Crypto Administrator Linked to U.S. Sanctions Violation
India has arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a cryptocurrency exchange administrator linked to Russia and sought by the U.S. for money laundering and violations of sanctions. He was arrested in Kerala and is associated with Garantex, which has processed over $96 billion in transactions. His extradition timeline remains unclear following a U.S. indictment.
The Indian authorities have apprehended Aleksej Besciokov, a cryptocurrency exchange administrator with links to Russia, who is wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in money laundering activities and violation of sanctions. Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen residing in Russia, was arrested in Kerala, as confirmed by India’s leading investigative agency.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) identified Besciokov as one of the key administrators of Garantex, a Russian cryptocurrency exchange, tasked with transaction approval and oversight. While he is currently in custody, no statement from him has been reported, and Garantex has not provided any immediate comment on the matter.
The CBI issued a provisional arrest warrant for Besciokov at the request of U.S. authorities. He is expected to be presented before a court in New Delhi; however, the timeline for his extradition to the United States remains uncertain.
Garantex, described in a DOJ report, was implicated in money laundering, having facilitated approximately $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since 2019. The platform allegedly handled criminal proceeds linked to various offenses, including hacking, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The U.S. Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Garantex in 2022 due to its operations.
Last week, U.S. officials charged Besciokov along with Garantex’s Russian co-founder, Aleksandr Mira Serda, citing money laundering. Reports indicate that post-sanction, Besciokov and other administrators altered Garantex’s operations to circumvent these restrictions and mislead American businesses into collaborating with them.
In summary, Aleksej Besciokov’s arrest in India underscores significant international cooperation against cybercrime and financial misconduct. His alleged role in the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex highlights the complexities of digital currency regulation and enforcement as authorities seek to address violations of sanctions and money laundering activities. The case reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. and allied nations to dismantle illicit financial networks.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
