In a coordinated international effort, authorities disrupted a global cryptocurrency network allegedly used by Russians to launder billions and evade sanctions. The U.S. Department of Justice charged two Russian nationals, Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov, for operating money laundering services that catered to cybercriminals.
The Department of State announced a $10 million reward each for information leading to the arrests of Ivanov and Shakhmametov. U.S. authorities, in collaboration with Netherlands, Latvia, Germany, U.K., Europol, and other U.S. agencies, seized websites linked to illicit cryptocurrency exchanges: Cryptex.net, UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC – believed to be connected to Russia.
A statement from President Biden emphasized U.S. support for Ukraine and its commitment to dismantling sanctions-dodging efforts. The Department of Justice, Treasury, and Secret Service collaborated to dismantle the network, showcasing international cooperation against Russian financial maneuvering.
Ivanov, accused of handling over $1.15 billion in transactions over the past decade, faces charges related to supporting fraudulent credit card websites like Rescator and Joker’s Stash (“carding”). Shakhmametov, known online as “JokerStash” and “Vega,” faces similar charges and an additional one for operating Joker’s Stash, which allegedly sold data from 40 million stolen payment cards annually.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated: “These individuals allegedly profited immensely from money laundering, fueling a network of global cybercrime. Ivanov reportedly assisted darknet drug traffickers and ransomware operators.”
The U.S. Secret Service secured two domain names linked to Cryptex.net, where authorities claim 37,500 transactions totaling $1.4 billion were conducted.
