Aleksej Besciokov, along with his co-conspirators, is accused of using the Garantex cryptocurrency exchange to launder the proceeds of the criminal activity, including Ransomware, Computer Hacking and Narcotics Transactions.
Aleksej Besciokov, a 46-year-old Lithuanian national, has been arrested by the Kerala Police, while he was on a vacation in Varkala, a popular beach destination in the southern state. According to reports, Besciokov is wanted by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) in a case involving cryptocurrency fraud worth billions of US dollars.
Who is Aleksej Besciokov?
A native of Lithuania, an east European Baltic state, Aleksej Besciokov is the co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, which has been linked by the US to criminal activities. According to the DoJ, Aleksej Besciokov played a key role in a money laundering case in which billions of dollars were allegedly transferred to criminal and cybercriminal networks across the world.
Earlier, the DoJ had indicted two of Besciokov’s alleged accomplices and co-founders of Garantex, including 40-year-old Aleksandr Mira Serda, a Russian native currently living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
How Aleksej Besciokov was arrested?
Aleksej Besciokov’s arrest was the culmination of combined efforts by law enforcement agencies of various countries. According to details, the Lithuanian national was vacationing in Varkala, Kerala, and was planning to leave India, but was apprehended by the Kerala Police.
Earlier, the US had made a formal request to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a provisional arrest warrant for Aleksej Besciokov, which was approved, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) joined other LEA sleuths in tracking down the alleged crypto fraudster, ultimately leading to his arrest.
What is the case against Aleksej Besciokov?
As per media reports, Aleksej Besciokov, along with his co-conspirators, is accused of using the Garantex cryptocurrency exchange to launder the proceeds of the criminal activity, including Ransomware, Computer Hacking and Narcotics Transactions, and profited from laundering the proceeds.
According to the indictment filed in a US district court, between 2021 and 2024,’ Garantex’ laundered millions of US dollars in ransomware proceeds, including proceeds from Black Basta, Play and Conti ransomware groups.
Aleksej Besciokov to face trial in US court
The CBI revealed that based on a request by the US, “the Ministry of External Affairs, acting under the Extradition Act, 1962, issued a Provisional arrest warrant against the subject from ACJM Patiala House Court in Delhi on 10.03.2025. IPCU, CBI coordinated with the Kerala Police for the arrest of fugitive criminal Aleksej Besciokov.”
In a statement, the central agency said the Kerala Police will produce Aleksej Besciokov before the Patiala House Court, adding that the IPCU and CBI closely coordinate with MHA, MEA, and State Law Enforcement Agencies in the location and arrest of fugitive criminals wanted by foreign Law Enforcement Agencies.
Aleksej Besciokov will be extradited to the US where he is to face trial before United States District Court for the Eastern District Court of Virginia.
