Canadian Crypto Fugitive Seeks U.S. Presidential Pardon, U.S. Lobbying Firm Reveals
Ottawa, March 18, 2026 – A Canadian cryptocurrency fugitive, Andean Medjedovic, is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon in the United States for a criminal indictment related to cryptocurrency trading fraud, according to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice and obtained by CBC News.
Background on Andean Medjedovic’s Case
The 23-year-old Hamilton, Ontario native is wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly exploiting two cryptocurrency trading platforms to siphon off approximately $65 million US. The Netherlands has also charged Medjedovic with similar offences, while in Ontario a civil lawsuit against him was initiated by an alleged victim in 2021. Since then, Medjedovic has been a fugitive; a bench warrant was issued by an Ontario Superior Court judge in 2021 after he failed to respond to legal proceedings.
Lobbying Efforts for a Presidential Pardon
The Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm JM Burkman & Associates disclosed in paperwork filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act on February 20, 2026, that they are actively advocating on Medjedovic’s behalf. The firm aims to engage with U.S. government officials to secure a presidential pardon for him.
JM Burkman & Associates has been retained on a $300,000 US retainer paid by Medjedovic, with payments reportedly made via wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Jacob Wohl, a partner at the lobbying firm, described Medjedovic as a “very brilliant young man” and defended his actions, calling them “admirable in a lot of ways.”
Details of the Indictment and Defense Arguments
According to the U.S. Department of Justice indictment, Medjedovic allegedly borrowed substantial sums of cryptocurrency and manipulated the platforms through “deceptive trading,” causing the affected platforms to incorrectly calculate key variables. This manipulation purportedly allowed him to withdraw millions in investor funds illicitly.
However, JM Burkman and Wohl dispute the characterization of these transactions as exploits, instead arguing that Medjedovic engaged in “standard permissible trades for profit” within the rules set by the platforms. This defense mirrors the controversial “code is law” argument in cryptocurrency circles, which posits that any action permitted by a platform’s computer code is inherently allowable, regardless of external legal frameworks.
Opposition and Reactions
Toronto lawyer Benjamin Bathgate, representing an alleged victim in the Ontario civil suit, strongly counters this position, labeling Medjedovic’s actions as market manipulation. Bathgate warns that if such practices were lawful, the cryptocurrency market would become dangerously unstable and unsafe for investors.
The DOJ indictment also cites evidence in which Medjedovic allegedly boasted about his plans to “steal crypto,” referring to his methods as a “glitch,” indicating premeditation and awareness of wrongdoing.
Medjedovic’s Status and Prior Detentions
Medjedovic spent over 100 days in detention at a prison in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2024, before disappearing from custody. Interpol has issued a Red Notice for his arrest. Separate European arrest warrants reveal he traveled using fake passports under an alias.
Lobbyist’s Controversial History and Strategy
Jacob Wohl, the JM Burkman partner advocating for Medjedovic, has a contentious background, including guilty pleas to telecommunications fraud in Ohio, securities violations in California, and felony election law charges in Michigan. Despite this history and a 2017 industry ban by the National Futures Association, Wohl maintains that such charges were politically motivated “lawfare” and denies actual criminal conduct.
JM Burkman & Associates has reportedly reached out to members of the U.S. Congress on behalf of Medjedovic, hoping first to persuade the Department of Justice to drop charges and, failing that, to secure a presidential pardon. Wohl emphasized that only the U.S. president has the authority to grant such a pardon.
Continued Pursuit
Canadian authorities remain involved due to overlapping civil proceedings and outstanding warrants. Medjedovic has yet to respond publicly to multiple attempts by media outlets for comment.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about legal accountability in the emerging and often unregulated cryptocurrency sector, the limits of presidentially granted pardons, and the international challenges of prosecuting alleged financial crimes that cross borders.
CBC News will continue to monitor and report developments in Andean Medjedovic’s legal situation.