Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Lithuanian national Alexsej Besciokov, wanted by the United States for allegedly using cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to launder criminal proceeds, has been arrested in India by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Kerala Police. The US had accused Besciokov of laundering at least $96 billion through Garantex, which has been linked to transnational criminal groups, including terrorist organizations.
Arrest Details
• Besciokov was apprehended while attempting to flee India, officials claimed.
• The US Secret Service had identified him as one of the key operators of Garantex.
• His arrest was made following a provisional warrant issued by the Patiala House Court in Delhi on March 10, 2025, after a request from the US government.
• He is now set to be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi.
• He is wanted for trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Who is Alexsej Besciokov?
• Besciokov is a Lithuanian national and a Russian resident.
• He has been charged with money laundering, violating sanctions, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.
• He allegedly controlled and operated Garantex, allowing criminal groups to launder illicit funds.
• The US, Germany, and Finland recently dismantled Garantex’s online infrastructure.
• Besciokov’s co-founder at Garantex, Mira Serda, was also charged by the US Justice Department.
US Allegations Against Besciokov
• Garantex processed over $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since April 2019.
• The exchange was sanctioned by the US in April 2022 for involvement in illicit financial activities.
• The US Justice Department claims that Besciokov played a key role in maintaining Garantex’s operations and approving transactions.
• Blockchain research firm TRM Labs has described the shutdown of Garantex as a “major milestone” but warned that such sanctioned exchanges often rebrand to bypass restrictions.
Charges & Possible Sentences in the US
If extradited and convicted, Besciokov faces:
1. Conspiracy to commit money laundering – Maximum sentence of 20 years.
2. Conspiracy to violate the International Economic Emergency Powers Act – Maximum sentence of 20 years.
3. Conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business – Maximum sentence of 5 years.
What’s Next?
• The US is expected to seek his extradition from India.
• The CBI and Kerala Police are coordinating with US authorities for further legal action.
• His arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illicit cryptocurrency activities by global law enforcement agencies.
