Russia Raids Crypto Exchanges, Arrests 20 Suspects in Money Laundering Operation

FSB and MVD shut down nine illegal crypto exchanges in Moscow, arresting over 20 people linked to phone scam gangs laundering stolen funds via gray-market services.

Woofun AI reports that the Federal Security Service of Russia, alongside the Ministry of Internal Affairs, conducted raids on unauthorized cryptocurrency exchanges in Moscow's financial district. Authorities arrested more than 20 individuals and closed nine operations accused of facilitating money laundering for phone scam gangs. The FSB stated that Ukrainian-based scam centers used these Moscow services to convert cash stolen from Russian citizens into cryptocurrencies for overseas transfer. One detainee admitted to processing up to $2 million in daily laundering. Most arrestees were aged 18 to 25, hired as couriers who believed they were undercover agents. A criminal investigation has been launched, with penalties reaching 10 years in prison.