India Arrests US-Wanted Lithuanian Crypto Admin, Aids Anti-Money Laundering Efforts

Indian authorities arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian national and administrator of the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, at the request of the United States, where he faces multiple charges, including money laundering and sanctions violations. The arrest occurred in Kerala, where Besciokov was reportedly attempting to flee the country. Garantex has processed over $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions and was sanctioned by the U.S. in April 2022 due to its alleged facilitation of illicit financial activities. The coordinated takedown of Garantex involved authorities from the U.S., Germany, and Finland, marking a significant step in combating money laundering linked to global crime and terrorism. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed the arrest and intends to pursue Besciokov's extradition to face trial in Virginia. This case highlights the ongoing U.S. efforts to address financial crimes despite varying international pressures on Russia.