Bitzlato Co-founder Requests US Presidential Pardon After Guilty Plea
Anatoly Legkodymov, Russian co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Bitzlato, has formally requested a presidential pardon from US President Donald Trump. This follows Legkodymov’s 2023 guilty plea for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and subsequent 18-month prison sentence. His legal team contends the charges were politically motivated amid broader scrutiny of cryptocurrency markets.
Legal Proceedings Against Bitzlato Executive
Court documents reveal Legkodymov allegedly facilitated illicit fund transfers through Bitzlato, with authorities claiming hundreds of millions flowed to dark web marketplace Hydra. The exchange reportedly received $15 million tied to ransomware operations. These allegations position the case at the intersection of cryptocurrency regulation and financial crime enforcement.
Case Timeline
- January 2023: Initial indictment
- December 2023: Guilty plea entered
- July 2024: Sentence completed (time served)
- Ongoing: French extradition request pending
Precedent for Crypto-Related Pardons
The Trump administration has granted clemency to multiple figures in digital asset cases, including Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht and BitMEX leadership. This history suggests potential consideration for Legkodymov’s appeal, though the White House hasn’t acknowledged receiving the petition.
International Legal Complexities
French prosecutors seek Legkodymov’s extradition on parallel charges, illustrating the cross-border challenges in cryptocurrency regulation. The case underscores jurisdictional conflicts as governments worldwide grapple with digital asset oversight.
Industry and Advocacy Perspectives
Ivan Melnikov of Russia’s International Committee for Human Rights branch told TASS: “This pardon request reflects hope for more equitable US policies toward digital finance innovation.” The statement highlights ongoing debates about balancing financial innovation with necessary safeguards.
