Arrest of Russian Citizen in the US Over Money Laundering

Russian citizen Pavel Kulizhnikov was arrested in Florida on suspicion of laundering up to $50 million a day for drug cartels and evading sanctions.

Just World Pro Crypto Team International Network

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the detainee participated in a network that converted cash into cryptocurrency. Among its clients were Mexican drug cartels and individuals attempting to circumvent anti-Russian sanctions.

Criminal Group's Modus Operandi

Exchanges were conducted through closed Telegram chats, where brokers negotiated deals and couriers transported funds. The commission for transactions ranged from 2% to 8%. Investigators determined that the entire scheme's turnover could reach $50 million daily.

Kulizhnikov sometimes personally collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.

U.S. intelligence agencies have been monitoring the network's activities since 2021, employing undercover methods. Charges have been filed against the Russian citizen, although his guilt has not yet been proven.