Aleksej Besciokov: Lithuanian Crypto Fugitive Arrested in India

Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian national and alleged operator of the Garantex crypto exchange, was arrested in India following U.S. criminal charges for laundering $96 billion in cryptocurrency. He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years for each major charge. His arrest signifies ongoing international efforts to address illicit financial activities in the cryptocurrency realm.

Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian national, has been apprehended in India at the request of the United States for his involvement in the alleged laundering of over $96 billion in cryptocurrency through Garantex, a crypto exchange he purportedly operated. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Kerala Police executed his arrest while he was reportedly attempting to leave the country.

Allegations against Besciokov include the operation of Garantex between 2019 and 2025, which purportedly enabled transnational criminal organizations, including terrorist groups, to launder their proceeds. The U.S. Justice Department has indicated that he violated multiple sanctions, alongside his involvement in money laundering.

The arrest followed a provisional warrant issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs under the Extradition Act in response to a request from the United States. Authorities allege he was preparing to flee India prior to his apprehension. A spokesperson from the U.S. Justice Department affirmed his arrest, linking him directly to the operations of Garantex.

Besciokov is charged with money laundering, operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, and violating the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. He faces significant prison time if convicted, including up to 20 years for each of the conspiracy charges. Garantex was sanctioned by U.S. authorities in April 2022 following its alleged involvement in illegal financial activities.

The recent dismantling of Garantex’s online infrastructure by U.S., German, and Finnish authorities has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against illicit finance, though experts caution that such exchanges might rebrand to evade restrictions. Besciokov played a crucial role in managing Garantex’s technical infrastructure, overseeing transactions, and facilitating operations with co-founder Mira Serda.

Aleksej Besciokov’s arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of international authorities to combat cryptocurrency-related crime. His allegations involve substantial sums tied to transnational criminal organizations, including terrorism funding. The charges against him reflect a broader concern regarding unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges that facilitate illicit financial activities. The U.S. Seek his extradition underlines the cooperative stance across nations in tackling such crimes.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com