Russian Socialite Accused of Leading Billion-Dollar Crypto Laundering Network

Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian socialite and influencer, has been accused of leading a sophisticated crypto money-laundering network used by Russian oligarchs and criminals. The U.S. and U.K. authorities, as part of Operation Destabilise, have imposed sanctions and taken action against two major Russian money-laundering networks, including the Smart Group allegedly run by Zhdanova. These networks are said to handle billions annually, using cryptocurrency to obscure the origins of illicit funds. Zhdanova is currently in pre-trial detention in France for separate offenses.