Garantex, a Russian cryptocurrency exchange previously sanctioned by the US, is reportedly back in operation under the name Grinex.
According to Global Ledger, a Swiss blockchain analytics firm, Garantex shifted liquidity and customer balances to the new platform after its official shutdown. On-chain and off-chain evidence points to the two exchanges being closely linked despite Garantex's closure.
Global Ledger's report revealed that Garantex laundered over$60 million worth of ruble-backed stablecoins, using a process of burning and reminting to erase transaction histories.
The funds were then channelled to Grinex, which began processing large transaction volumes soon after Garantex went offline. Blockchain data showed systematic fund transfers through temporary wallets before reaching Grinex's deposit addresses.
Further evidence linking the two platforms includes user reports of previously blocked funds from Garantex appearing in Grinex accounts.
A Grinex staff member also confirmed that users were visiting Garantex's office to move funds between the two platforms. Additionally, Grinex's website and promotional materials strongly resemble those of Garantex, and it is listed as being founded by the same team.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.