Russian Gotbit Founder Agrees to $23M Plea Deal with US Prosecutors

Aleksei Andriunin, founder and CEO of cryptocurrency market maker Gotbit, has reached a plea agreement with U.S. prosecutors, agreeing to forfeit approximately $23 million in stablecoins. The deal follows charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and market manipulation.

Details of the Plea Agreement

According to legal documents filed in Massachusetts federal court, Andriunin will plead guilty to three counts involving conspiracy to commit wire fraud and market manipulation. As part of the plea, he has agreed to forfeit around $23 million in Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC.

The plea agreement explicitly states that the forfeiture does not affect any other fines, penalties, restitution, or debts owed to the United States government.

Agreement Limited to Massachusetts Prosecutors

The plea deal is specifically between Andriunin and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. It does not bind the U.S. Attorney General or other federal, state, or local prosecuting authorities. Additionally, the court is not obligated to follow sentencing recommendations outlined in the plea agreement, and Andriunin cannot withdraw his guilty plea based on sentencing disagreements.

Background of the Case

Andriunin, a 26-year-old Russian national, was extradited to the United States from Portugal in October 2024 after his arrest. He has since been detained in Boston, Massachusetts, awaiting further proceedings.

Gotbit, registered in Belize, allegedly operated as a cryptocurrency market maker involved in widespread market manipulation schemes from 2017 to 2024. The company reportedly provided artificial trading volume for various global crypto firms, including those based in the U.S.

Other Individuals Involved

In addition to Andriunin, Massachusetts prosecutors have charged other Gotbit employees, including marketing director Fedor Kedrov and sales director Qawi Jalili, both residing in Russia.

Quick Summary

• Gotbit CEO Aleksei Andriunin pleads guilty to market manipulation charges.
• Agrees to forfeit $23 million in USDT and USDC.
• Plea deal limited to Massachusetts prosecutors; does not bind other authorities.
• Andriunin extradited from Portugal to the U.S. in October 2024.
• Gotbit accused of artificially inflating crypto trading volumes from 2017-2024.