Gotbit Founder Aleksei Andriunin Extradited to U.S. on Fraud Charges
Aleksei Andriunin, founder of Gotbit, was extradited to the U.S. to face fraud charges related to a conspiracy to manipulate cryptocurrency token prices. Key details include:
- Andriunin, 26, was arrested in Portugal last October and indicted by a Boston grand jury.
- Charges include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation, with a maximum sentence of 25 years.
- Gotbit and two directors are also charged.
- The firm allegedly provided market manipulation services from 2018 to 2024 for various crypto companies, including U.S.-based firms.
- Andriunin previously acknowledged the unethical nature of Gotbit’s operations.
- Gotbit reportedly generated “tens of millions of dollars” from fraudulent activities, with Andriunin accused of transferring significant sums to his personal Binance account.
- His initial court appearance occurred on Tuesday; the next hearing is pending.