August 14, 2025
5 min read
United States Department of State
U.S. Targets Cryptocurrency Exchange, Offering Rewards Totaling Up to $6 Million
Press Statement Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson August 14, 2025 Today, the Departments of State and the Treasury are targeting Garantex, a Russian-operated cryptocurrency exchange allegedly used by a wide variety of cybercriminals and cybercrime organizations for money laundering, and its network. The Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) is offering two rewards totaling up to $6 million for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of leaders of Garantex, including up to $5 million for Russian national Aleksandr Mira Serda, a/k/a “Aleksandr Ntifo-Siaw,” and up to $1 million for other key leaders of Garantex. The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is also taking actions to re-designate Garantex and to designate Grinex, a cryptocurrency exchange set up as Garantex’s successor. OFAC is additionally designating three of Garantex’s executives and six partner companies in Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the U.S. Secret Service and FBI, Garantex received hundreds of millions in criminal proceeds and was used to facilitate various crimes, including hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking, often with substantial harm to U.S. victims. Between April 2019 and March 2025, Garantex processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions. Today’s reward offers are authorized by the Secretary under the TOCRP, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally. If you have information, please contact the U.S. Secret Service by email atMostWanted@usss.dhs.gov or via Signal at +1-202-538-5476.
All identities are kept strictly confidential. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.
The Department of the Treasury’s sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended. For more information, see Treasury’s press release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Garantex and its Operations
Q: What is Garantex and why is it being targeted? A: Garantex is a Russian-operated cryptocurrency exchange that U.S. authorities allege has been used by cybercriminals and organizations for money laundering, facilitating crimes such as hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Q: How much money is being offered in rewards? A: The Department of State is offering up to $6 million in rewards for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Garantex leaders. This includes up to $5 million for Aleksandr Mira Serda and up to $1 million for other key leaders. Q: What other actions are being taken against Garantex and its network? A: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is re-designating Garantex and designating Grinex, identified as Garantex's successor. OFAC is also designating three of Garantex's executives and six partner companies. Q: What is the estimated transaction volume processed by Garantex? A: Between April 2019 and March 2025, Garantex processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions. Q: How can individuals provide information about Garantex? A: Interested parties with information can contact the U.S. Secret Service via email atMostWanted@usss.dhs.gov or Signal at +1-202-538-5476. Identities will be kept strictly confidential.
Crypto Market AI's Take
The U.S. government's aggressive targeting of cryptocurrency exchanges like Garantex highlights a growing trend of regulatory scrutiny and law enforcement action against platforms facilitating illicit activities. Such actions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the digital asset ecosystem and protecting victims of cybercrime. At AI Crypto Market, we are committed to fostering a secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency trading and investment. Our platform employs advanced AI-driven tools for market analysis and compliance, helping users navigate the complexities of the crypto market while staying informed about regulatory developments.More to Read:
Source: United States Department of State