Canadian Crypto Fugitive Evades Capture in Serbia, Reemerges in Bosnia
Serbian authorities are currently on the trail of a notorious Canadian crypto fugitive, Medjedovic, who has successfully eluded capture for four years. His last known whereabouts were in Serbia, where he reportedly resurfaced, igniting renewed interest in his elusive journey across multiple countries.
Medjedovic’s Global Pursuit
Since disappearing in late 2021, Medjedovic’s activities have spanned continents, including South America, Europe, and the Middle East. He has traveled to countries such as Brazil, Dubai, and Spain, often using fraudulent identities to avoid detection.
Crypto Crimes and Allegations
Medjedovic has gained notoriety for allegedly exploiting vulnerabilities in crypto trading platforms. His exploits have reportedly drained millions from services like KyberSwap, a platform based in Vietnam, as well as Indexed Finance, resulting in a total loss of $16 million US for investors.
- KyberSwap Hack: In 2023, Medjedovic executed a hack from a hotel in The Hague using a fake passport.
- Indexed Finance: Engaged in similar tactics to exploit this platform.
Authorities claim that he manipulated the relationship between supply and demand within these platforms to make substantial profits. According to former FBI agent Kyle Armstrong, this allowed him to trade assets worth much more than he paid, effectively masking his illicit activities.
Arrests and Extradition Requests
In late 2021, an Ontario judge issued a bench warrant for Medjedovic’s arrest. This followed his failure to engage in a civil case concerning the losses from Indexed Finance. Currently, the US Department of Justice has leveled extortion charges against him, stemming from his demands for control over KyberSwap in exchange for returning a portion of the stolen funds.
Information on the Fugitive
Medjedovic’s profile portrays him as a controversial figure in the cryptocurrency community. Unlike typical hackers, he has communicated openly with victims and made public demands, including a now-infamous ransom note addressing KyberSwap.
Interestingly, the code used in his cyber attacks reportedly contained racist terms and symbols. When recently contacted, he offered a unique defense for his actions, stating merely, “I’m a racist.”
Future Implications
As investigations continue, the potential extradition of Medjedovic to the Netherlands looms. In his recent statements to the Higher Court of Belgrade, he denied the allegations and expressed a desire to remain in Serbia to focus on personal goals.
The complexity of his case highlights the challenges authorities face in capturing fugitives operating in the digitized world of cryptocurrency. As the hunt continues, many observers are keenly following this unfolding saga.
