Security News > 2024 > February > BTC-e server admin indicted for laundering ransom payments, stolen crypto

Aliaksandr Klimenka, a Belarusian and Cypriot national, has been indicted in the U.S. for his involvement in an international cybercrime money laundering operation.

The U.S. DoJ alleged back then that the platform was used to launder funds stolen during the hack of Japanese crypto exchange platform Mt. Gox, as well as ransom payments for the Locky, Cerber, NotPetya, WannaCry, and Spora ransomware operations.

The platform had a notable presence in the U.S. but did not register as a money services business with the U.S. Department of Treasury, did not require the "Know your customer" and identity verification, and didn't have any anti-money laundering mechanisms in place.

"BTC-e allegedly facilitated transactions for cybercriminals worldwide and received criminal proceeds from numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware scams, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings, and allegedly was used to facilitate crimes ranging from computer hacking to fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud schemes, public corruption, and drug trafficking." - U.S. DoJ. Klimenka, now 42 years old, controlled BTC-e between 2011 and July 2017 until Vinnik's arrest and the subsequent takedown of the site.

For the charges of money laundering conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money services business, Klimenka faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

US govt wants BreachForums admin sentenced to 15 years in prison.

News URL

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/legal/btc-e-server-admin-indicted-for-laundering-ransom-payments-stolen-crypto/