US Indicts Operators of Crypto Mixers for Money Laundering
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🌀 U.S. indicts operators of crypto mixers linked to ransomware and North Korean hackers. The Department of Justice has charged three Russian nationals—Roman Ostapenko, Alexander Oleynik, and Anton Tarasov—for operating the Blender.io and Sinbad.io crypto mixer services, which were used to launder funds for ransomware gangs and state-sponsored hackers. These mixers obfuscate the source of cryptocurrency by mixing assets among multiple wallets, facilitating the laundering of criminal proceeds. Blender.io was notably involved in laundering $500 million from the Axie Infinity hack, while Sinbad.io emerged shortly after Blender’s shutdown. Both services were sanctioned for their roles in aiding cybercrime, with Oleynik and Ostapenko arrested, while Tarasov remains at large. The indictment underscores the U.S. commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting national security.
