Anatoly Legkodymov, founder of crypto exchange Bitzlato, has pleaded guilty to operating a business that facilitated the movement of illicit funds, spotlighting the exchange's role in dark market transactions.
The exchange was closely associated with Hydra Market, a darknet marketplace, with over $700 million worth of cryptocurrency transactions processed until Hydra's closure in April 2022.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco emphasised the U.S. government's dedication to disrupting crypto-related crimes, highlighting the seizure of Bitzlato's infrastructure and cryptocurrency assets earlier in the year.