Grinex Transfers $1.66 Billion in Crypto Post-Garantex Sanctions

Grinex, reportedly a successor to the sanctioned Russian exchange Garantex, moved $1.66 billion in cryptocurrency since March 2025, according to Global Ledger, triggering concerns among regulators.

This development highlights ongoing challenges in sanction enforcement and the continuity of operations despite legal actions, impacting cryptocurrency market stability and regulatory dynamics.

Grinex Facilitates $1.66 Billion in Crypto Transactions

Grinex, emerging from Garantex’s shutdown, has facilitated $1.66 billion in crypto flows since its establishment. The transition was identified by Global Ledger using comprehensive on-chain analysis, showcasing highly significant liquidity movements.

“The on-chain connections between Garantex and Grinex are supported by numerous off-chain signs indicating a close relationship between the two platforms,” said Lex Fisun, CEO of Global Ledger, “and Grinex’s rapid expansion has seen its trading volume exceed $40 million within just two weeks, alongside strong social media links between the two exchanges.”

The US Department of Justice cracked down on Garantex’s illegal activities earlier in 2025. All liquidity, including ruble-pegged stablecoin A7A5, reportedly transitioned to Grinex, indicating a seamless operational shift following the sanctions.

Regulators Scrutinize Consequences of Large-Scale Fund Transfers

Industry experts highlight concerns over Grinex’s operations, linking large-scale fund transfers to market volatility. These flows have raised eyebrows among regulators tracking illicit crypto movement avenues and potential avenues for evading sanctions.

The financial implications of these continued operations are significant. They underscore challenges in closing off platforms to illicit use. Historical trends show similar cases often lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions within the crypto community.

Sanctioned Exchanges Rebranding: Historical Lessons

Past cases like BTC-e illustrate how sanctioned exchanges attempt to rebrand, prompting similar enforcement actions. Previous experiences hint at potential reorganizational exploits within crypto regulatory frameworks.

According to Kanalcoin experts, data from these cases suggest that rapid operational transitions post-sanction expose weak regulatory areas. Such insights inform predictions on how market and regulatory dynamics could evolve moving forward.