In a joint operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Kerala Police have arrested Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, who is wanted by U.S. authorities in connection with a massive cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering case. The arrest took place in Thiruvananthapuram following a request from the U.S. government.
The crackdown follows the recent approval of the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack co-conspirator Tahawwur Rana to India.
Crypto Fraud and Money Laundering Charges
Besciokov, 46, along with Russian national Aleksandr Mira Serda, has been charged by the U.S. Secret Service for allegedly operating Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that facilitated money laundering for transnational criminal organizations, including terrorist groups. According to a U.S. Secret Service indictment, Garantex processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since April 2019.
Authorities claim that the exchange received hundreds of millions in illicit proceeds and was used for crimes such as hacking, ransomware attacks, terrorism financing, and drug trafficking, affecting victims in the United States. Besciokov was allegedly the primary technical administrator of Garantex, responsible for maintaining its infrastructure and approving transactions.
Coordinated Operation and Arrest
A CBI spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating:
“In a coordinated action with the aid of the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of CBI, Kerala Police have arrested wanted criminal Aleksej Besciokov from Thiruvananthapuram, who was planning to flee the country.”
The CBI also revealed that Besciokov is facing multiple charges under U.S. law, including:
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering (punishable by up to 20 years in prison)
- Conspiracy to violate the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (up to 20 years in prison)
- Conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business (up to five years in prison)
Following the U.S. request, India’s Ministry of External Affairs secured a Provisional Arrest Warrant for Besciokov from the Patiala House Court in Delhi on March 10. The CBI’s IPCU coordinated with Kerala Police to track and arrest the fugitive, who will now be produced before the Patiala House Court.
Sources By Agencies
