In a statement from the US Department of Justice, it was reported that Anatoly Legkodymov, the Russian-born Chief Executive of Hong Kong-registered crypto exchange Bitzlato, was accused of transferring illegal funds and failed to meet US regulatory measures, including anti-money laundering.
In the statement, it was stated that Legkodymov was detained in Miami last night and will be tried in Florida Southern District Court today.
“MORE THAN 700 MILLION DOLLARS MADE”
Bitzlato’s largest and longest running service for narcotics, stolen financial information, fake identity documents and money laundering services. “dark market” In the statement, which pointed out that Hydra is a very important financial resource for Hydra, it was recorded that Hydra users made more than 700 million dollars of crypto money transactions with Bitzlato, either directly or through intermediaries, until Hydra was closed by the US and German authorities in April 2022.
In the statement, it was reported that Bitzlato also earned more than $ 15 million in revenue from ransomware attacks.
In addition, the US Treasury Department said in a statement regarding Bitzlato, in connection with Russian illegal financing. “primary money laundering concern” reported to be.
In this context, the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Unit (FinCEN) has banned certain funds transfers by financial institutions involving Bitzlato.
“A BIG BLOW TO THE CRIME ECOSYSTEM”
US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said at the press conference on the subject that a significant blow was dealt to the crypto crime ecosystem.
Emphasizing that they will use all means at their disposal against the “darknet”, also called the dark internet, and the criminal use of cryptocurrency, Monaco said, “We are taking steps to address the crisis of trust in the cryptocurrency markets, where criminals and scammers are trying to operate beyond the reach of security forces.” said.
US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo also noted that Bitzlato has facilitated transactions for Russia-linked ransomware groups many times over.
Noting that Bitzlato is part of a wider ecosystem of cybercriminals allowed to operate in Russia with impunity, Adeyemo said. “Bitzlato threatens U.S. national security, the integrity of the U.S. and international financial sectors, and businesses and institutions around the world because of its significant operations and involvement in Russia and Russian illegal finance.” he said.
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