Edit: Garantex — CryptoScamsWiki

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## Summary

Garantex was a cryptocurrency exchange that, according to the U.S. DOJ, processed at least $96 billion in transactions between 2019 and 2025 and knowingly served as a laundering conduit for transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, ransomware operators, darknet markets, and North Korea-linked hackers. [1][2]

## Sanctions and takedown

OFAC sanctioned Garantex in 2022; prosecutors say its operators then "redesigned" operations to evade sanctions and keep transacting. On March 7, 2025, the U.S. — with Germany and Finland — seized Garantex's domains (garantex.org/.io/.academy) and froze more than $26 million, and the Eastern District of Virginia unsealed an indictment against two administrators. [1][2]

## The operators

Aleksej Besciokov was Garantex's primary technical administrator (reviewing/approving transactions); Aleksandr Mira Serda was its co-founder and chief commercial officer. Besciokov was arrested in Kerala, India on March 11, 2025. [1][2]

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