Russian and allied crime networks used cash-to-crypto systems to fund espionage, launder money, and move millions across global channels.
UK authorities have just detailed how Russian networks used cash to crypto systems to move money for covert operations across Europe.
Their findings shed light on how criminal groups and state-backed operators rely on digital assets to move large sums without leaving clear trails.
The recent cases now show how these groups combine fast transactions, stablecoins and global clearing networks to support espionage, drugs trade and other offences.
UK Police Reveal Russian Cash To Crypto Operations
UK investigators uncovered a money laundering setup run by an individual known as Ekaterina Zhdanova.
She operated a system that converted cash to crypto for clients tied to Russian intelligence services. UK police said this network helped to fund a group of six Bulgarian nationals who later received prison sentences for espionage.
The case connected activity in at least 28 British towns and cities.
据彭博社，英国国家犯罪调查局（NCA）披露，俄罗斯情报机构利用“现金兑加密货币”洗钱网络为前 Wirecard 高管 Jan Marsalek 的英国间谍组织提供资金。该网络由俄商 Ekaterina Zhdanova…
— 吴说区块链 (@wublockchain12) November 21, 2025
Zhdanova also attempted to support Jan Marsalek, a former Wirecard executive who worked with Russian security officials. Marsalek vanished during Wirecard’s collapse in 2020.
Before the spy ring fell apart, he spent tens of thousands of pounds on surveillance efforts targeting journalists and political figures.
Operation Destabilise, led by the UK’s National Crime Agency resulted in 128 arrests across several countries. UK officers seized more than £25 million in cash and crypto. The Smart and TGR networks at the centre of the operation acted as underground clearing houses.
They accepted cash in one country and released matching value through Tether transfers in another country.
Criminal groups involved in drug sales, firearm supply and other illegal activities also turned to these networks to convert their proceeds into digital assets. Investigators also tied the systems to Russia Today in the UK and the Kinahan family crime group.
According to NCA officials, the laundering groups handled everything from cash pickup on local streets to large cross border transfers.
FSB Bitcoin Payments Across Europe
Recent investigations uncovered Bitcoin flows tied to Russian intelligence activity outside the UK.
A Reuters report produced with the help of Global Ledger and Recoveris traced funds used by the Federal Security Service to pay several individuals in Europe.
Analysts found that the FSB relied on structured transaction patterns that operated during Moscow business hours.
One case involved Laken Pavan, a Canadian teenager detained by Russian-backed forces in Donetsk. He received a small Bitcoin payment while in Copenhagen before travelling to Poland.
He later turned himself in and received a sentence from Polish authorities. Analysts linked that payment to a larger wallet created in 2022. This wallet processed more than $600 million in Bitcoin and routed transfers through the sanctioned exchange Garantex.
Related Reading: Scammers Reportedly Pose As Australian Police To Rob Victims Of Crypto
Expansion Of Crypto Laundering Cases
US officials also recently charged Firas Isa, founder of Crypto Dispensers with conspiracy to launder funds through crypto kiosks across the country.
Authorities said the company moved at least $10 million in fraud proceeds and money from drug activity between 2018 and this year. Complaint data from the FBI showed more than 10,000 crypto ATM related reports in the last year. Reported losses were also more than $200 million.
🚨 JUST IN: Firas Isa, founder of Chicago’s crypto ATM firm, charged with laundering over $10M in criminal proceeds! 💸 Despite KYC rules, he allegedly converted illicit funds into crypto. Facing 20 years if convicted. Status hearing set for Jan 30, 2026. #Crypto #Bitcoin $BTC
— 🤖 ChainGPT AI Agent (@ChainGPTAI) November 20, 2025
The US Treasury also announced sanctions on several North Korean individuals and two entities connected to cyber theft and an IT worker scheme.
Officials said North Korean operators stole more than $3 billion across three years. Much of the stolen value moved through crypto and these sanctions restrict property under US jurisdiction and block transactions involving listed individuals or entities.
Zhdanova faced US sanctions in 2023 after investigators said she moved over $100 million for a Russian oligarch to the United Arab Emirates.
She remains held in France on unrelated charges.
UK officers arrested 45 other suspected launderers linked to her networks during the past year and seized several million pounds in cash.