Russia-linked crypto kingpin on US wanted list arrested on family holiday

[Emrys]

Source: The Telegraph

Aleksej Besciokov, apprehended in India, is accused of processing $96 billion since April 2019, including funds linked to ransomware groups

A Russian-linked crypto kingpin on the US wanted list has been arrested in India while on a family holiday, authorities said.

Aleksej Besciokov, 46, was apprehended on Tuesday evening in the coastal town of Varkala in the south Indian state of Kerala. Police initially said he looked panicked and tried to bargain his way out of the situation.

Besciokov, a cryptocurrency exchange administrator, is accused of processing $96 billion since April 2019, including funds linked to ransomware groups such as Black Basta, Play, and Conti, according to US Secret Service documents and India’s Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI).

The US Department of Justice said the proceeds from these transactions were used to facilitate hacking, ransomware attacks, and fund terrorism and drug trafficking.

Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/03/13/russia-linked-crypto-kingpin-us-wanted-list-arrested-india/

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Alternative source if you're stumped by a paywall: https://www.aol.com/news/russia-linked-crypto-kingpin-us-173539219.html

Besciokov is expected to be extradited to appear before the US District Court for the Eastern District Court of Virginia on charges of sanctions violations, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Power Act and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business. If so, it will be the first time a Russian-linked suspect has been extradited from India to the US.

[Henry203]

1. Sounds like a pardon in the making

Perfect for Trump.

[radical noodle]

2. You beat me to it.

[The Madcap]

6. I was thinking the same...

But now, T**** can just tariff India at 5000% until they let the guy go.

[radical noodle]

7. And that will make perfect sense to 42% of Americans

[EarthFirst]

3. I'm shocked he isn't being housed at Mar a Lago...

… to appear before the judge poolside via video conference.

[Buddyzbuddy]

4. Heads are going to roll, that warrant should've been cancelled.

Oh well, no harm. Now the Felon can have him as a guest to Maraloogy and invite him to join whatever department is "regulating" crypto.

[SunSeeker]

5. That must have slipped under Trump's radar. I'm guessing the case will be dropped.

Or they'll only ask for time served.

[Emrys]

8. It sounds like the police tracking him down and the arrest caught Besciokov completely by surprise:

Begum said Mr Besciokov was not expecting local police to track him down. “He offered our officers money to let go, but officers vehemently declined. After we showed him the arrest warrant, he realised he had nowhere to escape,” Ms Begum said.

Assuming the extradition goes ahead, I guess we'll get to see whose legal system is more corrupt - India's or the US's.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

9. Good

[Marcuse]

10. That pardon is going to cost. He wanted 50% from Ukraine.

Aleksej Besciokov, apprehended in India, is accused of processing $96 billion since April 2019, including funds linked to ransomware groups

[BurnDoubt]

11. He's got all the qualifications...

To be in the Cabinet. Sounds like he can easily afford the "Gold Card". Just a Kiss Away.

[maxsolomon]

12. What kind of world is this, where simply processing 96 billion is illegal?

LOL, what is "processing"?

Same as "laundering"?