Indian authorities have arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian man wanted by the United States for allegedly laundering money through a $96 billion cryptocurrency platform.
According to CNN, Besciokov, accused of operating Garantex, allegedly enabled terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, and cybercriminals to launder illicit funds using digital currency transactions on his platform.
His arrest concludes an intense US-led manhunt, which escalated after officials seized Garantex, froze $26 million in assets, and unsealed an indictment.
The US Justice Department formally charged Besciokov and an accomplice, reinforcing efforts to combat international financial crimes linked to cybercriminal networks and terrorism.
The United States is expected to seek Besciokov’s extradition to Virginia, marking a significant breakthrough in fighting large-scale money laundering and financial crimes.
The arrest indicates that while the Trump administration relaxed cyber pressure on Russia, the crackdown on financial crimes remains an enforcement priority.
Besciokov had reportedly been living in Russia, though the reasons behind his travel to India remain unknown, raising further suspicions about his movements.
Authorities in Kerala, India, confirmed Besciokov’s arrest, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officially labeling him a “fugitive” in their statement.
A US Justice Department spokesperson, Nicole Navas Oxman, confirmed Besciokov’s arrest, stating that India acted at the United States’ direct request.
The Justice Department, Germany, and Finland coordinated efforts to dismantle Garantex, citing its role in money laundering and violating international financial sanctions.
A screenshot of Garantex’s website revealed it was disrupted and taken down, following a multi-agency crackdown targeting financial crimes involving cryptocurrency transactions.
The cryptocurrency platform allegedly facilitated illicit financial transactions linked to global criminal organizations, cyber fraud syndicates, and terrorist funding networks worldwide.
CNN has attempted to contact Besciokov’s legal representatives, but no response has been received regarding the allegations made against him.
The US government continues cracking down on money laundering networks, determined to disrupt financial operations that fuel international organized crime and terrorism financing.