Synopsis
A Lithuanian man arrested in Kerala for crypto fraud will soon be taken to Delhi for court proceedings. He is wanted in the US for facilitating significant money laundering activities linked to transnational crime.Key Takeaways
- Aleksej Besciokov faces serious allegations of crypto fraud.
- His arrest was based on a US request.
- He is currently in judicial custody in Kerala.
- Plans are underway to transfer him to Delhi.
- He may be extradited to the US after legal proceedings.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 (NationPress) A Lithuanian national, who is sought by authorities in the US for involvement in a crypto currency scam and captured in Kerala this week, is expected to be transported to Delhi soon for a court appearance, as confirmed by a state police representative on Thursday.
An official from the Varkala Police station, responsible for the apprehension of Aleksej Besciokov, informed IANS that he is currently in judicial custody.
"Initially, arrangements were made to transfer him to Delhi by train on Thursday. However, during the investigation, it became evident that this is a serious issue, prompting senior police officials to devise a comprehensive plan for proceeding. Once finalized, Besciokov will be moved to Delhi," the official stated.
Besciokov, who has been subject to US sanctions since 2022, had recently arrived with his family at the tourist destination of Varkala, approximately 50 km away from Thiruvananthapuram.
He and his family were residing in a homestay when the Kerala Police, acting on directives from the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, apprehended him on Tuesday.
Besciokov established a crypto currency exchange named 'Garantex', and according to documents from the US Secret Service, he is accused of facilitating money laundering amounting to at least $96 billion (over Rs 8 lakh crore) through crypto currency transactions linked to transnational criminal entities (including terrorist groups) and breaching sanctions.
The prompt decision leading to his arrest followed the Ministry of External Affairs receiving a provisional arrest warrant at the request of US officials.
Given the severity of the crime now surfacing, the Kerala Police is unlikely to transport Besciokov to Delhi by train; he will likely be flown to the national capital.
Upon arrival in Delhi, after completing the requisite legal formalities, he will be handed over to US officials for extradition.
