Crypto Exchange Garantex Co-Founder Arrested In India Over Extradition Request
Aleksej Besciokov, a 46-year-old Lithuanian and alleged co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, was arrested in Varkala, India, amid accusations of extensive money laundering activities. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted him and co-founder Aleksandr Mira Serda for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Garantex, launched in 2019, was sanctioned by the US Treasury in April 2022 for facilitating criminal proceeds, processing over $60 billion since sanctions were imposed. The exchange has been linked to ransomware attacks, drug trafficking, and aiding Russian oligarchs in transferring wealth post-Ukraine invasion. Besciokov allegedly served as the primary technical administrator and operated under the hacker alias “proforg.” He faces serious charges, including violations of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, with potential sentences totaling 25 years. A court appearance is scheduled for March 14, where he may forfeit assets linked to the alleged offenses.
