21-year-old Canadian fugitive wanted for stealing $65 million from DeFi

A Canadian suspect named Andean Medjedovic, 21 years old, has shocked the blockchain community by being accused of carrying out two large-scale hacks targeting leading DeFi platforms, totaling $65 million stolen from digital assets. According to Foresight News, this case has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies from multiple countries, especially the U.S. Department of Justice, as investigations reveal surprising details about a young high-tech criminal.

DeFi Market-Shaking Hack Achievements

The investigation shows that Medjedovic began his criminal activities at age 18, when he attacked Indexed Finance, illicitly profiting $16.5 million. In 2023, he targeted another prominent platform, KyberSwap, a well-known decentralized exchange, this time stealing $48 million. These hacks were made possible by Medjedovic’s exceptional programming and mathematical skills, exposing security vulnerabilities that DeFi platforms often face.

A Transcontinental Escape Journey

After executing these hacks, Medjedovic did not stop but continued to refine his illegal activities. He used a fake Slovak passport to travel through countries such as Brazil, Dubai, and Spain, attempting to conceal his true identity. However, his escape ended in August 2024 when he was arrested in Belgrade, Serbia. Notably, a Serbian court later refused a extradition request from the Netherlands, leading to Medjedovic’s release and reports that he is hiding in Bosnia.

Money Laundering via Advanced Mixing Services

The U.S. Department of Justice accuses Medjedovic of attempting to legitimize the stolen funds by using mixing services like Tornado Cash. This is a common tactic among blockchain criminals to obscure the origin of illicit money and evade detection. This action further complicates international investigations and demonstrates the sophistication of his money laundering scheme.

Denies All Charges Despite International Warrants

Despite serious accusations from multiple countries and evidence pointing to his involvement, Medjedovic has persistently denied all charges in court. He even claimed that he still earns $100,000 per month as an independent cryptocurrency expert, a statement authorities are highly skeptical of. This case underscores the importance of DeFi platforms strengthening security measures and international cooperation to combat high-tech criminals.