The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced the criminal prosecution of a suspected ransomware operator and the seizure of cryptocurrencies, cash, and assets worth approximately 3.892 billion won. This action follows the revelation of money laundering circumstances, including the closure of the mixing service 'ChipMixer' through an international cooperative operation in 2023.
The seizure was conducted through the execution of six warrants on the wallet and residence of Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko. According to the Department of Justice, U.S. authorities secured assets worth 2.8 million dollars (approximately 3.892 billion won) from Antropenko's wallet, along with an additional 70,000 dollars (approximately 97.3 million won) in cash and a luxury vehicle.
Antropenko was indicted on charges of computer fraud and abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Department of Justice stated that the seized assets were either proceeds from ransomware activities or used in the process of laundering these proceeds, providing specific details to support this claim. He was found to have dispersed assets through ChipMixer and subsequently converted some cryptocurrencies to cash, systematically laundering funds through structured cash deposits.
This action signals the U.S. government's resolute response to cryptocurrency-based crime and is an extension of the seizure activities proceeding in line with the 'Strategic BTC Stockpiling Order' signed by President Trump in March. The administrative order recognizes crypto assets as strategic assets in preparation for potential future national security and competitiveness assessments.
Additionally, the Department of Justice seized cryptocurrencies worth approximately 1.39 million won (10,000 dollars) from the ransomware organization BlackSuit last Monday and is taking measures to appropriate the 2.4 million dollars (approximately 3.336 billion won) in Bitcoin seized by the Dallas FBI in April as government assets.
This case demonstrates the authorities' enhanced capacity to eradicate the misuse of cryptocurrencies for criminal activities. It also illustrates how mixing services like 'ChipMixer' are utilized for illegal money laundering, suggesting that international crackdowns on such services will become increasingly stringent.
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