Blender io and Sinbad io- U.S. Department of Justice Indicts Three Russians in Major Crypto Money Laundering Case
Blender io and Sinbad io– The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) on Friday announced charges against three Russian nationals involved in operating cryptocurrency mixing services, Blender.io and Sinbad.io. The defendants, Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko and Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, were arrested in December 2024 in coordination with international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. However, the third individual, Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, remains at large.
Blender.io and Sinbad.io: Tools for Criminal Money Laundering
These mixers allegedly helped criminals launder proceeds from cybercrimes, including ransomware attacks and wire fraud. The services obscured the source of cryptocurrency, allowing cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups to profit without detection. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Blender.io and Sinbad.io were used worldwide to launder funds stolen from victims of ransomware and other crimes.”
Blender.io, launched in 2018, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in May 2022 for its role in laundering cybercrime proceeds, including from the North Korea-linked Lazarus Group. Despite halting operations in 2022, Blender rebranded as Sinbad in October 2022, continuing illicit activities.
Charges and Penalties for Defendants
The three individuals face serious charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating unlicensed money-transmitting businesses. If convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison. This case highlights growing efforts by law enforcement to curb illicit activities within the cryptocurrency sector.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
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