The US government has announced a substantial reward of up to $6 million for information leading to the arrest of key figures associated with the Russian cryptocurrency exchange, Garantex. This action comes as part of an aggressive crackdown on illicit cryptocurrency transactions and criminal activity by authorities targeting the platform’s leadership. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned both Garantex and its alleged successor, Grinex, following investigations linking the platforms to billions in illegal crypto transactions that have been associated with hacking, ransomware attacks, and terrorism financing. Investigators estimate that between 2019 and 2025, Garantex processed at least $96 billion worth of cryptocurrency, much of which is believed to be linked to criminal organizations operating across multiple nations. This coordinated strike aims to disrupt the financial channels used by such illicit actors to transfer funds anonymously and quickly, ultimately preventing their re-emergence under new names. The US government is employing this multi-pronged approach, including sanctions on individuals and companies, to effectively dismantle these illegal operations and hold those responsible accountable.