Lithuanian National Arrested in Kerala on US Financial Fraud Charges
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA — Varkala police announced the arrest of a Lithuanian national, Aleksej Besciokov, aged 46, on Tuesday. Besciokov is wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in financial fraud, specifically linked to the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, which was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022. The authorities took action on the basis of an Interpol red corner notice that called for his apprehension. Besciokov was reportedly in Kerala on vacation with his family when he was arrested.
According to reports from local police, Besciokov is accused of facilitating the laundering of billions of dollars for various transnational criminal and cybercriminal organizations. This serious allegation highlights the growing concerns surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges and their potential misuse in illegal financial activities.
In early March, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Besciokov as well as another alleged co-founder of Garantex, Aleksandr Mira Serda, a 40-year-old Russian residing in the United Arab Emirates. The indictment outlines the pair’s roles in enabling significant financial misconduct.
B Gopakumar, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Varkala, reported that police acted on a directive from the additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at Patiala House courts to apprehend Besciokov.
As the investigation continues, the case appears to shed light on the complex intersection of cryptocurrency, international law enforcement, and financial crime. The apprehension of Besciokov underscores the international cooperation efforts in combatting fraud and money laundering on a global scale.
This arrest is a reminder of the legal responsibilities that individuals and entities operating within the cryptocurrency space must uphold, particularly in jurisdictions where regulation is becoming increasingly stringent.
As the legal proceedings unfold, further details are expected to emerge regarding Besciokov’s alleged activities and the implications for Garantex and its operations.
For more updates and related news, stay tuned to Times of India.
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