Greek authorities announced that they detained a Russian citizen wanted in the United States on suspicion of laundering more than $ 4 billion through bitcoin transactions. This writes the news Agency the Associated Press.
Police said that on Wednesday they arrested 38-year-old Alexander winnick in the Northern part of Greece, in cooperation with the US authorities. When arrested from the hotel room the suspect had seized some electronic equipment.
According to Greek police, the man accused of laundering approximately $ 4 billion, using the electronic currency bitcoin. His illegal activities allegedly engaged in arrested 2011. Also in the statement of the Greek authorities stated that, winnick led a criminal organization that owns and operates «one of the largest cybercriminal sites in the world.»
Winnick was arrested on the basis of the American order, now U.S. authorities are trying to find a way to extradite him. Winnick charged with four cases of unlicensed operations on transfer of money, criminal conspiracy, money laundering and operations with cash obtained illegally.
Bitcoin was the first digital currency that have successfully used cryptography to ensure the safety and secrecy of transaction, which makes it difficult for traditional financial regulation, making it almost impossible.
