U.S.-Wanted Lithuanian National Arrested in India for Cryptocurrency Crimes
Kerala, India – March 13, 2025 — Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian national and administrator of a cryptocurrency exchange, was arrested in India following a request from U.S. authorities. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Kerala Police.
The U.S. Justice Department announced last week that Besciokov was facing serious charges related to a conspiracy of money laundering and violations of international sanctions. His apprehension comes on the heels of coordinated actions by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Germany, and Finland, which successfully dismantled the online infrastructure associated with the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex.
Under investigation for his role in these illicit activities, Besciokov is specifically accused of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, in addition to the money laundering charges. The U.S. Justice Department had earlier confirmed his arrest, stating, "I can confirm Aleksej Besciokov, one of the administrators of Garantex, was arrested in India at the request of the United States."
According to the Justice Department, Garantex has facilitated over $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since April 2019 and was sanctioned by the United States in April 2022. The crackdown on such exchanges is viewed as a crucial measure in the fight against illicit financial activities. Blockchain research firm TRM Labs described the takedown of Garantex as a "major milestone."
As reported by Indian authorities, Besciokov had been planning to flee India, and it remains unclear what had brought him to the country. India’s Foreign Ministry issued a provisional arrest warrant for Besciokov at the request of Washington, which is now expected to seek his extradition.
At this time, representatives for Besciokov have not provided comment regarding his arrest. The situation continues to develop, with U.S. officials working to coordinate his return to face charges.
As global law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency industry, cases such as that of Besciokov serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by illicit finance in the digital age.