US Targets Russian Virtual Currency Money Launderer and Allies in Latest Sanctions

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national, for her involvement in laundering and moving funds using virtual currency on behalf of Russian elites and ransomware actors. Zhdanova facilitated access to Western financial markets for Russian individuals, helping them evade US and international sanctions. She used entities lacking anti-money laundering controls and relied on cash transactions and connections to move funds internationally. Zhdanova also provided services to individuals connected with the Russian Ryuk ransomware group. As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of Zhdanova in the US or under the control of US persons are blocked. Financial institutions and individuals engaging in transactions with the sanctioned entities may also face sanctions or enforcement actions.