US-Wanted Lithuanian Criminal Aleksej Besciokov Captured in Kerala, India

CBI and Kerala Police Arrest Notorious Criminal Aleksej Besciokov in Thiruvananthapuram

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with the Kerala Police and the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU), successfully apprehended Aleksej Besciokov, a wanted criminal from the USA, in Thiruvananthapuram. Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen, was planning to flee the country when he was arrested.

Aleksej Besciokov’s Criminal Charges and International Pursuit

Besciokov is sought by US authorities on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, conspiracy to violate the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money services business.

The charges stem from his involvement in a complex scheme to launder proceeds from various criminal activities.

– Aleksej Besciokov, co-founder of Garantex, arrested in India on March 12 for sanction violations and illicit transactions.

– Accused of money laundering, breaking sanctions, and running an unlicensed exchange.

– Garantex processed over $60B despite U.S. sanctions in 2022… pic.twitter.com/QH07w0q7K0

— Cryptopolitan (@CPOfficialtx) March 12, 2025

Details of the Money Laundering Scheme

According to the CBI, Besciokov and his co-conspirators operated a cryptocurrency exchange named ‘Garantex’.

This exchange was allegedly used to launder proceeds from ransomware, computer hacking, and narcotics transactions.

Between 2021 and 2024, Garantex reportedly laundered millions of US dollars, including proceeds from notorious ransomware groups such as Black Basta, Play, and Conti.

In a coordinated action with the aid of International Police Cooperation Unit of CBI, Kerala Police have arrested a wanted criminal Aleksej Besciokov of USA from Thiruvananthapuram, who was planning to flee from the country. The Lithuanian citizen AlekseJ Besciokov is wanted by… pic.twitter.com/qSVAHRQMol

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2025

Legal Proceedings and Provisional Arrest Warrant

On March 10, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs, acting under the Extradition Act of 1962, issued a provisional arrest warrant against Besciokov.

The warrant was based on a request submitted by the USA. The arrest was coordinated by the IPCU and CBI, with the Kerala Police executing the operation. Besciokov is expected to be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi.

CBI’s Coordination with National and International Agencies

The CBI emphasized the importance of close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and state law enforcement agencies in locating and arresting fugitive criminals wanted by foreign law enforcement agencies.

This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating transnational crime.

Press Release Details

The press release, dated March 12, 2025, from the CBI’s Information Section, provides a detailed account of the arrest and the charges against Besciokov.