An admin from the crypto exchange Garantex was arrested in Kerala, India, over US money laundering allegations.
Arrest in India with US Charges
The Indian authorities arrested Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, wanted in the USA for operating Garantex, a crypto exchange facilitating money laundering and sanction violations. Besciokov is accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating sanctions.
US Cooperation with Other Countries
The US Department of Justice has collaborated with Finland and Germany to shut down Garantex. It seized domain websites supporting the exchange's operations, preventing further criminal use.
Garantex Operations and Legal Consequences
Since 2019, Garantex processed at least $96 billion in crypto transactions and received millions in criminal proceeds. Besciokov was aware of illegal activities. His extradition to the US is under review in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he is charged with money laundering.
Aleksej Besciokov awaits extradition to the USA for money laundering charges through Garantex. The US DOJ actively combats criminal activities in the crypto industry.
