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Compliance Report: Sergey Mendeleev, Garantex, and Exved – The Rising Role of Crypto in Russia’s Sanctions Evasion Strategy
Sergey Mendeleev, a prominent figure in Russia’s cryptocurrency scene, has played a central role in the establishment and operation of two key platforms—Garantex and Exved. These platforms have been instrumental in facilitating cross-border payments and crypto transactions, potentially serving as important tools for Russia’s sanctions evasion strategy. Mendeleev’s growing influence in this space, coupled with Russia’s evolving regulatory framework, positions him as a key player in Russia.
Latest Updates
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Russia’s New Crypto Strategy for Sanctions Evasion
Russia’s new crypto laws, allowing mining and international payments in digital currencies, are part of a broader strategy to evade Western sanctions and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This move, led by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR), opens up new compliance risks for global financial institutions dealing with Russian entities. The new laws are set to take effect in September for cross-border payments and in November for crypto mining.
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Secretive Cyprus Funds Used to Obscure Megayachts and Real Estate Linked to Sanctioned Russian Banker
A recent OCCRP investigation revealed that Cyprus-registered RAIFs were used to hide megayachts and real estate linked to sanctioned Russian banker Andrei Kostin. These secretive funds, managed by Inveqo, allowed clients to avoid disclosing their ownership, raising concerns about the effectiveness of sanctions and regulatory enforcement. The case highlights the challenges of ensuring transparency and preventing financial crime in the global investment landscape.
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First-Ever Crypto Seizure in Scotland Under New UK Law
Crypto has undoubtedly become mainstream, particularly in the cybercrime sphere. In a first for Scottish law enforcement, £110,000 in cryptocurrency has been confiscated from John Ross Rennie following a violent robbery. Under new UK rules, police can now seize crypto assets without needing to make an arrest, highlighting a growing focus on tackling digital crime as incidents involving cryptocurrency continue to rise.
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Former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh Charged with Financial Crimes
It was a long-expected move. The powerful former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh has been arrested and charged with embezzling $42 million in public funds, part of a broader $110 million fraud case. His detention comes amid ongoing domestic and international investigations into financial misconduct during his controversial three-decade tenure. In 2022, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) froze assets worth €120 million tied to Salame.
Payment Processors
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Cybercrime Alert to Payment Processors: Warning Against Acceptance of Anonymous Domain app-paymentgw.pgws2b.com
The FinTelegram research team has identified a suspicious domain https://app-paymentgw.pgws2b.com currently deployed by several anonymously operated online casinos of Liernin Enterprises, including Malina Casino, Talismania, SlotUna, and others. This domain has been flagged due to its association with activities that potentially violate financial regulations and legal standards for online gambling.
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Report on Cazimbo Casino: The Role of Payment Processors in Facilitating Illegal Online Casinos!
Another day, another exposed illegal online casino facilitated via Cyprus. Payment processors play a crucial role in sustaining this underground economy. FinTelegram's research repeatedly reveals that without these facilitating payment processors, many illegal online schemes, particularly in the gambling sector, would not thrive. Currently, we are focusing on the brands of the collapsed Rabidi Group that continue to operate anonymously and unauthorized. Here is our report on Cazimbo.
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The Rabidi Case: The Mysterious Actions of Beneficial Owner Denys Butko and Other Connections
The case of the Rabidi Group is a prime example of the opacity of the online casino sector. Rabidi, once a significant player in the online gambling industry with a Curacao license, has recently come under scrutiny after the group's sudden disappearance following its bankruptcy in June 2023. Following FinTelegram reports, Denys Butko, the alleged beneficial owner recently deleted his LinkedIn profile.
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The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Facilitating Illegal Online Gambling Operations!
With the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies, the global landscape of illicit businesses, particularly in the online gambling sector, has seen a significant expansion. Despite heightened regulatory scrutiny, cryptocurrencies continue to operate beyond national borders, enabling illegal online casinos and gambling platforms to thrive. This phenomenon has created substantial challenges for authorities.
Cybercrime Court Cases
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Prosecuted Telegram CEO Durov Challenges Personal Liability for Platform Misuse!
The prosecuted Telegram CEO Pavel Durov argues that holding CEOs personally liable for platform misuse is an outdated practice that threatens innovation. Following his Paris arrest, Durov emphasized that platforms like Telegram must adapt to rapid growth, but outdated liability standards should not stifle progress. His case highlights the ongoing debate about balancing innovation, privacy, and regulation in the tech world.
Regulatory Updates
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U.S. Regulator CFTC Lost Court Case Against Kalshi Legal Battle Over Election Bets!
KalshiEx is a U.S.-based prediction market platform that sought to offer trading in derivatives contracts based on the outcomes of Congressional elections, which the CFTC prohibited. KalshiEx challenged the regulator's decision in court and won, opening the door for election-based derivatives markets in the U.S. However, the CFTC is seeking a temporary stay.
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Germany: Accomplices in Fraudulent Cyber Trading Platforms Charged by Karlsruhe Prosecutor!
The Baden-Württemberg Cybercrime Center in Germany has announced that it charged three suspects linked to an international fraud scheme that cost over 820 victims more than €5 million. The case marks a significant step in combating organized cyber trading fraud but underscores the growing complexity of such operations that often rely on an international division of labor.
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Influencers and Financial Crimes: A Short Guideline and a Request for Whistleblower Information!
Recently, the influencer industry has come under increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide. The case of Turkish influencers Dilan Polat and Engin Polat, facing $30 million money laundering charges and allegations of operating an illegal betting ring, perfectly demonstrates the potential legal risks in this sector. This high-profile case has prompted authorities to investigate hundreds of other influencers for potential financial crimes.
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