US charges 3 Russians for crypto money laundering

Three individuals, Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, and Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, have been indicted for running crypto mixing services Blender.io and Sinbad.io. These platforms allegedly helped criminals launder funds from ransomware attacks and other crimes. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the commitment to dismantling cybercriminal infrastructure.

The indictment states that these mixers provided a way to hide the origins of illegally obtained cryptocurrency. Brent S. Wible, from the Justice Department, noted that these services facilitated profits for state-sponsored hackers and posed risks to public safety and national security. The indictment follows the earlier takedown of Sinbad.io, showcasing the effectiveness of international cooperation against cybercrime.

Blender.io operated from 2018 to 2022, promoting a “No Logs Policy” that claimed to erase user transaction records. It did not require personal details, making it appealing to criminals. After Blender.io was shut down, Sinbad.io emerged, offering similar services until its closure on November 27, 2023.

Both services faced sanctions from the Department of Treasury for their roles in laundering stolen virtual currency, particularly linked to North Korean hackers. Ostapenko faces multiple charges, while Oleynik and Tarasov are also charged with conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Ostapenko and Oleynik were arrested on December 1, 2024, while Tarasov remains at large.

The indictment is a reminder that charges are not convictions, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation involved significant contributions from international law enforcement agencies, including those from the Netherlands and Australia. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. attorneys and the Justice Department’s specialized teams.

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