US attacks ransomware supply chain by suing three cryptocurrency mixer operators

Operating from 2018 to 2022, Blender.io advertised itself as a log-free cryptocurrency mixer that does not require user information, ensuring anonymity. After Blender was shut down, Sinbad.io offered similar services until regulators took it down on November 27, 2023.

Still in abundance

Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, 55, faces one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of operating an illegal money transmission business. Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, 44, and Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, 32, face one count each of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an illegal money transmission business.

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison on one count of money laundering and five years on each count of operating an illegal money laundering business, according to the Justice Department.


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