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Omar El-Sharif
India Arrests Russian Linked Cryptocurrency Administrator Wanted by U.S.
In a pivotal operation, Indian authorities arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a cryptocurrency exchange administrator wanted by the U.S. for allegedly aiding cybercriminals and violating sanctions. He was linked to Garantex, a platform accused of facilitating over $96 billion in illicit transactions. His extradition remains uncertain as investigations continue.
Authorities in India apprehended Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuania-born cryptocurrency exchange administrator with ties to Russia, who is wanted by the United States for allegedly facilitating cybercriminal activities, including money laundering and sanctions violations. His arrest occurred in Kerala, according to India’s primary investigative agency.
Besciokov is identified as one of the key administrators for Garantex, a Russian cryptocurrency exchange that reportedly processed over $96 billion in transactions since 2019. The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) asserts that Garantex was used to launder extensive criminal proceeds linked to various crimes, including hacking and drug trafficking.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India issued a provisional arrest warrant based on a request from Washington. While Besciokov remains in custody, the timeline for his extradition to the U.S. remains uncertain. In a related development, federal charges for money laundering were filed against him and Garantex’s co-founder, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding this case.
The U.S. Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Garantex in 2022, and it has been reported that Besciokov and other officials attempted to restructure operations to circumvent these sanctions and attract American businesses. The DOJ’s investigation into Garantex reflects broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks utilizing cryptocurrency for illicit activities.
The arrest of Aleksej Besciokov marks a significant legal development in the international crackdown on cryptocurrency-related crimes. His involvement with Garantex highlights concerns regarding the misuse of digital currencies for money laundering and other illicit activities. As India cooperates with U.S. authorities, the case underscores the complexities of regulating cryptocurrency on a global scale.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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