Connect with us

Africa

India arrests Lithuanian crypto boss wanted by US for $96 billion laundering scheme

Published

on

Crypto billionaire Aleksej Besciokov.

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.

See also  Trump's judgement fines jump to $461.6 million

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.

 


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

INNOSON VEHICLE MANUFACTURING

Gaza food point bloodshed: Israeli fire kills at least four

Badenoch reaffirms call for tougher UK immigration controls

New Nigerian peoples’ party condemns attack on Agwa Residents

Highlife legend Mike Ejeagha buried within 24 hours in his hometown

IHEKWEME EMPOWERS 20 WOMEN WITH ₦50,000 EACH

Osimhen rejects Al-Hilal’s final offer for Europe move

Neymar tests positive for COVID-19 again

Commissioner urges LGA chairmen to develop rural communities

South-East Igbo group distances itself from June 12 democracy day protest

Entire Akwa Ibom Has Moved To APC, Says Nsima Ekere

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks