In early 2023, entrepreneur Anatoly Legkodymov was arrested in the United States in connection with his company Bitzlato. The company provided a cryptocurrency marketplace service primarily for users in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
U.S. authorities sought to politicize the case, but Legkodymov’s lawyers successfully prevented that. Russian Ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, stated that Anatoly was detained without sufficient evidence of guilt.
The intensive legal proceedings lasted a year and a half, during which the judge thoroughly examined the case details and ruled in Anatoly’s favor. He was released from federal court immediately after the trial concluded.
However, ten days later, France issued an arrest warrant, also related to Bitzlato’s activities. Anatoly now faces up to 20 years in prison.
A separate immigration judge has already issued two rulings in favor of Anatoly’s deportation back to Russia, yet U.S. authorities are actively blocking these orders. He remains incarcerated, with no indication of how long he’ll remain in this “black hole.”
Being prosecuted twice for the same activities violates all legal norms, human rights and international agreements. Anatoly Legkodymov views this case as politically biased.
As a lone entrepreneur, he cannot confront the injustices of the French authorities on his own.
He asks people in Russia and France to support his struggle for freedom.


Reproduction of this content without proper attribution is strictly prohibited.

Our telegram channel with the latest updates.