The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has successfully disrupted two Russian money laundering networks through “Operation Destabilise,” resulting in 84 arrests. The operation targeted the Smart organization (led by Ukrainian George Rossi) and TGR group (controlled by Russian Ekaterina Zhdanova).

Key Findings:
– Zhdanova laundered over $2.3 million from Ryuk ransomware victims in 2021
– The groups facilitated at least £27 million in extortion from 149 UK targets
– Victims included hospitals, schools, businesses, and local authorities
– Networks helped Russian elites evade sanctions and invest in Western economies

International Collaboration:
– US Treasury Department (OFAC)
– FBI
– Drug Enforcement Agency
– French Police
– Irish Police (AGS)
– UAE authorities

Notable Sanctions:
– Ekaterina Zhdanova (November 2023)
– Elena Chirkinyan
– Andrejs Bradens
– George Rossi

The networks were connected to:
– Ryuk/Conti ransomware operations
– Garantex cryptocurrency exchange
– Russian state media (RT)
– Hydra Market dark web platform
– Russian weapons component transactions

This operation marks the first time authorities have mapped connections between Russian elites, cyber criminals, and drug organizations operating in the UK through these laundering networks.