The growing intersection between cryptocurrency and international criminal law has once again made headlines. In a recent development, the United States successfully secured the extradition of a Russian national from Portugal to face serious allegations relating to unlawful conduct involving cryptocurrency markets. This case highlights an increasingly aggressive global approach to investigating and prosecuting crypto-related offences, particularly where cross-border elements and allegations of financial crime are involved. It also underscores the rising use of INTERPOL mechanisms and the growing risk of extradition for individuals active in the crypto space.

In this blog, we explore the implications of this case, the broader legal risks for those dealing in digital assets, and how international cooperation is shaping the future of crypto enforcement.

Background

In previous articles we have described how the borderless nature of crypto transactions has resulted in jurisdictions requesting INTERPOL to issue notices to try and locate individuals accused of criminality (specifically, allegations involving crypto) who are based in other jurisdictions, to potentially seek their extradition. There have now been several examples of subsequent extradition requests.

Indeed, using INTERPOL to pursue individuals accused of offences involving cryptoassets is becoming more common. 

Following earlier reports that South Korea had asked INTERPOL to issue a Red Notice for developer Do Kwon, the team wrote a blog titled “Can INTERPOL issue a Red Notice in relation to allegations involving crypto?”. 

INTERPOL was also reportedly assisting with an attempt to locate Ignatova Bajatova, who was involved with the OneCoin scandal.

We recently wrote an article stating that although Hex Founder Richard Heart found himself subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice, a United States Court dismissed the case against him, and, subsequently, how a Red Notice had been requested to locate Hayden Davis, a citizen of the US, allegedly behind the launch of several memecoins.

Recent crypto-related extradition

Earlier in the year, The United States Attorney’s Office (District of Massachusetts) issued a Press Release confirming that a Russian National residing in Portugal has been extradited to the US for his alleged role in a wide-ranging conspiracy to manipulate cryptocurrency markets on behalf of client cryptocurrency companies.

According to Court documents, the individual was a well-known “market maker”, and it is alleged that between 2018 and 2024, he provided market manipulation services to create artificial trace volume for multiple companies.

It was also reported that the individual pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

Crypto and extradition

As well as being at risk of INTERPOL measures such as Red Notices, those who fear that allegations involving crypto have been made against them, could also be at risk of extradition.

As was discussed in a previous blog entitled “Can I be extradited for allegations involving crypto?” and “Another US crypto extradition”, due to the borderless nature of crypto transactions, any allegation of criminality will inevitably involve multiple jurisdictions.  As such, there may be numerous jurisdictions asserting authority and trying to extradite an alleged perpetrator to their jurisdiction to face justice.  There have now been two examples of individuals being extradited to the US in relation to allegations of offences involving crypto. 

The vast majority (if not all) of criminal allegations that underpin a crypto criminal investigation are of a financial crime nature, e.g. fraud, money laundering and insider dealing.  They can also include alleged offences relating to the breach of financial regulations.

These offences, by their very nature, can take place across multiple jurisdictions and are therefore types of offences for which multiple countries can claim authority, including in relation to conduct outside their own country (hence extradition can be an option). 

Indeed, due to the borderless nature of the effect of these crimes, a state could claim jurisdiction against an individual who has not even stepped foot in that country.

As such, jurisdictions might additionally utilise INTERPOL to locate an individual and seek their arrest prior to issuing any extradition request.

Therefore, due to the nature of this technology, and as this technology becomes more prevalent, there will be a large increase in the instances of INTERPOL being used to locate individuals accused of committing offences involving crypto.

INTERPOL and cryptoassets

More specifically, we have previously written about INTERPOL’s specialist team developed to coordinate globally against digital assets crime.

As we have previously mentioned, there have been increasing reports of countries using INTERPOL to pursue individuals alleged to have been involved with criminality concerning cryptoassets.

INTERPOL has recently been more active in seizing online digital wallets and exchanges, including the exchange knows as Cryptonator, for allegedly receiving the proceeds of crime.

Suitability of INTERPOL

There is no doubt that crypto crime presents unique challenges to authorities, the decentralised nature of crypto and its distance from more conventional financial institutions creates significant hurdles in international policing.

The UK continues to pass legislation, recently enabling authorities to investigate and seize assets suspected of being used in criminal activities relating to crypto (please see our other blogs on crypto regulation).

Other INTERPOL members, however, may not be as quick at establishing a regulatory framework, making international cooperation even more challenging.

However, it remains the case that given the decentralised and borderless nature of some cryptoasset transactions, an organisation with global reach like INTERPOL would be very useful in assisting with  both pursuing individuals alleged to have committed criminal offences involving crypto, and also tracing any associated proceeds of crime. 

As always, it will be necessary to ensure that INTERPOL is used in compliance with all its applicable rules and regulations.

International crypto dimension – criminal investigations, litigation and extradition

Those who fear they may be subject to an extradition request from the UK, or who are just concerned about liability across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, should get in touch.

Gherson’s criminal litigation, regulatory and investigatory team combine an expert knowledge of criminal and regulatory law underpinned with a firm understanding of digital assets and blockchain technology.  As such, the team are able to provide expert strategic advice to anyone facing investigation in relation to any allegation of criminality involving cryptoassets. Working alongside the extradition team, Gherson’s criminal litigation, investigations and regulatory team are able to provide an unparalleled service in any case with an international dimension.  The team are also able to call upon lawyers in multiple other jurisdictions and build multi-jurisdictional teams to assist with any suitable defence.

INTERPOL, Red Notices and crypto

In addition, those who fear that a jurisdiction may have requested INTERPOL to process data relating to them in relation to any allegations of offences involving crypto, or are just concerned about potential liability, should get in contact.

Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:   

1. How to best approach a possible INTERPOL red notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Red Notice):

• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice

Regulation and compliance

In these constantly changing times, firms that deal with cryptoassets, and additionally have exposure to firms that do, will need to carefully consider all their systems and controls to ensure that they are able to comply with all relevant AML and sanctions regulations. 

Updated: 15 May 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s white-collar crime and regulatory team are able to provide advice and assistance with AML and sanctions compliance, including in situations involving cryptoassets. 

Additionally, the team has recently started a series on the regulation of crypto, with the aim of advising those who work in the compliance of this sector.  In addition, for those who would like advice on relevant issues, including those who have had issues with the FCA registration process, our specialist regulatory and compliance team can guide individuals and companies through the process.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2025

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