Kerala Police, in Coordination with CBI, Arrests Wanted US Criminal Aleksej Besciokov in Thiruvananthapuram
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In an important development, Kerala Police, in a coordinated operation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU), has successfully apprehended Aleksej Besciokov, a wanted criminal from the United States, in Thiruvananthapuram. Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen, was reportedly planning to flee the country when the authorities caught up with him, marking a major victory in the ongoing battle against international financial crimes and cybercrime.
Aleksej Besciokov, who is wanted by U.S. authorities, faces multiple serious charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of the United States Code, conspiracy to violate the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money services business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a sophisticated global money-laundering operation, using the cryptocurrency exchange platform ‘Garantex.’ Besciokov, along with several other conspirators, is accused of laundering the proceeds of illicit activities, including ransomware attacks, computer hacking, and narcotics trafficking.
Between 2021 and 2024, it is alleged that ‘Garantex’ facilitated the laundering of millions of U.S. dollars in proceeds from ransomware groups such as Black Basta, Play, and Conti. These groups were notorious for their role in cyber extortion and criminal hacking activities. Besciokov is set to face trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The arrest follows a formal request submitted by the United States government to India through diplomatic channels. Acting on this request, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under the Extradition Act of 1962, obtained a provisional arrest warrant against Besciokov from the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court in Patiala House, Delhi, on March 10, 2025. The IPCU, CBI then worked closely with the Kerala Police to track down and arrest Besciokov in Thiruvananthapuram.
Upon his arrest, Besciokov will be presented before the Patiala House Court in Delhi for further legal proceedings. The extradition process will continue as the authorities work to ensure he faces justice in the United States.
The successful operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation in combatting global criminal activities, especially those involving cybercrime and financial fraud. The IPCU, CBI, and other Indian law enforcement agencies continue to work in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and foreign law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend fugitive criminals operating across borders. This arrest is a testament to India’s commitment to international legal cooperation in bringing criminals to justice, regardless of their nationality or location.
