Three Russian nationals have been indicted for operating cryptocurrency mixing services that allegedly helped launder money from cybercrime operations. Two suspects are in custody while one remains at large, according to an indictment unsealed on January 7 in Georgia.
Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, 55, and Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, 44, were arrested on December 1 following the dismantling of the Sinbad.io platform in late 2023. The third defendant, Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, 32, has not been apprehended.
The defendants allegedly operated two cryptocurrency mixing services - Blender.io from 2018 to 2022, followed by Sinbad.io. These platforms allowed users to obscure the source of digital assets, making them attractive to cybercriminals and state-sponsored hacking groups looking to hide illicit proceeds.
"The defendants operated cryptocurrency mixers that served as safe havens for laundering criminally derived funds, including ransomware and wire fraud proceeds," said Brent Wible, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General.
Both platforms advertised complete anonymity, with Blender.io promoting a "No Logs Policy" and requiring no personal details from users. After Blender.io's closure in 2022, Sinbad.io emerged offering similar services until its takedown in November 2023.
The U.S. Department of Treasury had previously sanctioned both platforms - Blender.io in May 2022 and Sinbad.io in November 2023 - for their alleged role in laundering funds linked to North Korean hackers and ransomware operations.
The investigation involved extensive international cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands, Finland, and the FBI. This collaboration led to the successful dismantling of Sinbad.io's infrastructure and the subsequent arrests.
The defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating unlicensed money-transmitting businesses. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison for money laundering charges and an additional five years for each count related to unlicensed operations.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by international law enforcement to combat cryptocurrency-based money laundering and bring cybercriminals to justice. The FBI continues to lead the investigation with support from global partners.