In a coordinated action with the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, Kerala Police have arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen wanted by US authorities, from Thiruvananthapuram as he attempted to flee the country.
Besciokov faces multiple charges in the United States, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, violations of the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and operating an unlicensed money services business. He is wanted for trial before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to US authorities, Besciokov and his co-conspirators operated ‘Garantex’—a cryptocurrency exchange—laundering illicit proceeds from ransomware, computer hacking, and narcotics transactions. Between 2021 and 2024, ‘Garantex’ allegedly laundered millions of dollars from criminal activities, including ransomware payments linked to the Black Basta, Play, and Conti ransomware groups.
Following a request from the United States, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), acting under the Extradition Act, 1962, secured a provisional arrest warrant from ACJM, Patiala House Court, Delhi, on March 10, 2025. The IPCU, CBI then coordinated with Kerala Police to arrest Besciokov, who will be presented before the Patiala House Court for further legal proceedings.
The IPCU, CBI works closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), MEA, and state law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend fugitive criminals wanted by foreign law enforcement agencies.
