Crypto fraudster worth Rs 83,00,00,00,00,000 was found in India; the CBI arrested him in Kerala

Kerala Police has had a big success in the crypto scam case. Kerala Police, in a joint operation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arrested crypto kingpin Alexej Besiokov. Alexej is a native of Lithuania and is wanted by America in many cases. The accused was planning to exit the country. But he was caught before that. America imposed a ban in the year 2022 against Alexej.

Alexey is accused of running a massive cryptocurrency scam in the US. He founded the unregistered cryptocurrency exchange Garantex. He operated it for about six years. In line with the charges, Alexey laundered ransomware, computer hacking, and drug proceeds through Garantex in the guise of investing in cryptocurrency.

According to US Secret Service documents, Besiokov laundered about $96 billion (more than Rs 8 lakh crore) in cryptocurrency transactions with international criminal organizations. Garantex received hundreds of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds. It was used in crimes like hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Alexey is accused of money laundering in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, violating the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and running a money services business without a license. The accused is being tried in the Eastern District Court of Virginia. He was also wanted in this case. Between 2021 and 2024, 'Garantex' looted millions of US dollars obtained from the Black Basta, Play, and Conti ransomware groups.

According to central agencies, a request was received from the US regarding Alexej. After this, the Ministry of External Affairs issued an arrest warrant from Delhi's Patiala House Court on March 10 under the Extradition Act 1962. After this, the IPCU and the CBI coordinated with the Kerala Police to arrest the fugitive criminal Alexej Besiokov. Now the Kerala Police will produce him before the Patiala House Court.