India Detains Russian-linked Crypto Operator Sought by US Authorities

The arrest of Aleksej Besciokov marks a significant step in international efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related cybercrime and money laundering as India responds to a US request.

Authorities in India have made a notable arrest by detaining Aleksej Besciokov, a cryptocurrency exchange administrator with ties to Russia, who is wanted by the United States for allegedly aiding cybercriminal rings in laundering money and evading sanctions. The arrest took place in Kerala on Tuesday, as confirmed by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen residing in Russia, was reportedly one of the key figures behind Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that has been at the center of scrutiny due to its involvement in significant illicit activities. According to allegations from the US Justice Department (DOJ), Besciokov had a critical role in overseeing and approving transactions for the platform.

While Besciokov is currently in custody, details surrounding his visit to India remain uncertain. As per the CBI's announcement, the agency executed a provisional arrest warrant against him following a request from Washington. His next steps involve appearing before a court in Delhi, although a timeline for his extradition to the US has not been disclosed.

The DOJ revealed that Garantex was dismantled through a coordinated effort involving the United States, Germany, and Finland due to its handling of over $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since its inception in 2019. The exchange was allegedly a conduit for substantial criminal earnings linked to various illegal activities, including ransomware attacks, drug trafficking, and terrorism financing.

Additionally, Besciokov faces accusations from the DOJ for not only violating established sanctions but also for running an unlicensed money transmission operation. In a recent indictment, US officials charged him alongside Aleksandr Mira Serda, Garantex's co-founder, further highlighting the exchange's complex efforts to circumvent US regulations after being sanctioned in 2022.