September 27 Crypto News – $10 Million Rewards Offered for Information on Russian Crypto Launderers
September 27 Crypto News – Two Russian nationals, Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov, have been charged by U.S. authorities for their involvement in a global network that allegedly facilitated money laundering and evaded sanctions through cryptocurrency transactions. This action highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. agencies to combat financial crimes associated with cryptocurrency.
Charges and Arrests
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges against Ivanov and Shakhmametov, revealing that they operated money laundering services tailored for cybercriminals utilizing cryptocurrencies. The U.S. government has offered rewards of $10 million each for information leading to the arrests of both individuals. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to dismantle networks that exploit digital currencies for illegal activities.
Seizure of Illicit Cryptocurrency Exchanges
In a coordinated effort involving international partners, U.S. authorities seized websites linked to three illicit cryptocurrency exchanges. These platforms, including Cryptex.net, UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC, are associated with Russian payment and exchange systems. The operation involved collaboration with authorities from the Netherlands, Latvia, Germany, the U.K., Europol, and various U.S. agencies.
U.S. Government’s Stance on Sanctions Evasion
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed the government’s commitment to countering Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering. He stated, “To counter Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Secret Service have taken action today to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network, in coordination with international partners.”
Ivanov’s Extensive Transactions
Sergey Ivanov has reportedly conducted transactions valued at over $1.15 billion over the past 11 years. He faces one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for providing payment processing support to the carding website Rescator and another count for conspiracy to commit money laundering associated with the carding website Joker’s Stash. The term “carding” refers to the unlawful use of stolen credit and debit card data for fraudulent purposes.
Shakhmametov’s Role in Carding Operations
Timur Shakhmametov, known online as “JokerStash” and “Vega,” has been charged with similar offenses as Ivanov. Additionally, he faces a charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud for operating Joker’s Stash, which reportedly sold data from 40 million payment cards annually.
Impact of the Charges
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, “The two Russian nationals charged today allegedly pocketed millions of dollars from prolific money laundering and fueled a network of cybercriminals around the world, with Ivanov allegedly facilitating darknet drug traffickers and ransomware operators.” This remark underscores the serious implications of their activities on global cybersecurity.
Seizure of Cryptocurrency Domains
As part of the operation led by the U.S. Secret Service, authorities seized two domain names used to support the cryptocurrency money laundering exchange Cryptex.net, which was involved in 37,500 transactions totaling $1.4 billion. This seizure represents a significant step in disrupting the operations of illicit cryptocurrency exchanges and protecting the integrity of the financial system.
FAQ
Who has been charged by U.S. authorities in the recent crypto money laundering case?
U.S. authorities have charged two Russian nationals, Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov, for their involvement in a global network that launders money and evades sanctions using cryptocurrencies.
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