Indian Crypto Launderer Busted for $20 Million Scam

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Darknet to Prison: Indian Crypto Launderer Busted for $20 Million Scam

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: January 21, 2025

Key Takeaways

An Indian citizen laundered $20 million using cryptocurrency and hawala networks, earning over 10 years in prison;
Encrypted communication and darknet platforms played key roles in his global scheme;
FBI-led efforts seized assets, halted $1.4 million in fraud, and uncovered counterfeit goods.

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Darknet to Prison: Indian Crypto Launderer Busted for $20 Million Scam

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Anurag Pramod Murarka, an Indian citizen, has been sentenced to over 10 years in a US prison for laundering more than $20 million in illegal funds.

Murarka will serve at least 85% of his sentence and face three years of supervised release afterward.

The case, overseen by US District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, revealed Murarka’s role in a global operation that used cryptocurrency and a hawala system to conceal the origins of criminal money.

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Murarka operated under aliases like “elonmuskwhm” and “la2nyc”, advertising money-laundering services on darknet platforms from April 2021 to September 2023.

He used encrypted communication to coordinate with clients, instructing them to send cryptocurrency to specific wallets.

Once the funds were received, Murarka converted them into cash through a hawala network based in India. Meanwhile, his US associates were responsible for delivering the cash to clients.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) led the investigation, exposing millions of dollars in illegal proceeds and seizing control of Murarka’s online accounts.

This action prevented $1.4 million in additional fraud and led to the confiscation of counterfeit drugs and equipment.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, stated:

This case highlights the global scope of cybercrime, as well as the demand for diligence and collaboration in fighting money laundering – a devastating second layer of criminal conduct.

Meanwhile, crypto scammers recently turned their focus to Telegram, using malware to steal funds and sensitive information. How did they carry out their operations? Read the full story.