Alleged BTC-e Co-owner Released on $3 Million Bail

Alexander Klimenko, a Belarusian and Cypriot citizen and alleged co-owner of the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e, accused by U.S. authorities of conspiracy to launder money and operate an illegal financial business, was released on bail of $3 million in early May. This was reported by the Telegram channel “Mendeleevshina”.

According to the document provided, the individual was not fully restricted in his movements but was required to observe a curfew and remain at his residence daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 AM.

Klimenko was detained in Latvia on December 21, 2023, at the request of U.S. authorities and extradited to the United States.

According to the investigation, from 2011 to July 2017, he controlled the BTC-e exchange along with Alexander Vinnik and other accomplices. He allegedly also owned the technology company Soft-FX and the forex broker FXOpen.

Previously, ForkLog reported on Klimenko’s role and his companies in the alleged money laundering scheme through the exchange.

He faces up to 25 years in prison on the combined charges.

Earlier in May, the second alleged co-owner of BTC-e, Russian Alexander Vinnik, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money through the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e and for losses amounting to at least $121 million.

The hearing in Vinnik’s case is scheduled for July 12.