In a significant crackdown on illicit financial activities, federal authorities in Brooklyn have apprehended Iurii Gugnin, an entrepreneur linked to a cryptocurrency payment service, accused of running an extensive money laundering network. This operation purportedly moved more than $530 million tied to sanctioned Russian financial institutions.
The case came to light following a report by CNBC, detailing that Gugnin, a 38-year-old national from Russia currently residing in Manhattan, was arrested on Monday. He is being held without bail while awaiting trial.
‘An Underground Channel for Illicit Funds’
The indictment against Gugnin comprises 22 charges, including wire fraud, violations of U.S. sanctions, and money laundering. Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg commented on the matter, stating:
Gugnin allegedly transformed his cryptocurrency enterprise into an underground channel for illicit funds, moving vast amounts through U.S. financial systems to support sanctioned Russian banks and facilitate the acquisition of sensitive U.S. technologies by Russian operatives.
Prosecutors claim that Gugnin leveraged his companies—Evita Investments and Evita Pay—to manage substantial transactions while concealing the origins and intentions of the funds. Between June 2023 and January 2025, he allegedly funneled money through various U.S. banks and cryptocurrency exchanges, predominantly utilizing Tether’s USDT stablecoin.
The indictment details that Gugnin serviced clients linked with banned Russian entities such as Sberbank, VTB Bank, Sovcombank, Tinkoff, and the state-run nuclear power corporation, Rosatom.
Potential Consequences: Up to 30 Years in Prison
To further this scheme, Gugnin reportedly misrepresented the operations of his business, produced false compliance documentation, and misled banks and cryptocurrency platforms about his Russian affiliations.
It is alleged that he masked the origin of the funds using shell accounts and modified over 80 invoices to erase the identities of Russian clients.
Law enforcement has uncovered internet searches suggesting Gugnin was aware of potential investigations, with queries such as “how to determine if you are under investigation” and “penalties for money laundering in the U.S.” indicating his consciousness of legal repercussions.
Moreover, the Justice Department disclosed that Gugnin had direct ties with Russian intelligence operatives as well as officials from Iran, countries known for not cooperating with U.S. extradition requests. He is also charged with aiding the export of sensitive American technology to Russian entities, including restricted anti-terrorism servers.
If found guilty solely on bank fraud charges, Gugnin could face up to 30 years behind bars. However, if convicted on all counts, he could be facing an even more severe, extended sentence that could last well into his later years, highlighting the gravity of the allegations against him.
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