Gotbit Founder Takes Plea Deal: $23M Forfeited, No Prison Time on the Table

According to the Gotbit founder's plea deal submitted to the US Department of Justice, Andriunin admits to the crimes and requests a reduced sentence of up to 24 months. He agrees to all monetary penalties, including fines and special assessments, following any court-ordered repayment schedule.

As a Russian national, Andriunin agrees to plead guilty regardless of possible immigration consequences. 

While the agreement doesn’t guarantee any outcome, the judge could also choose to give him a non-prison sentence. 

Aleksei Andriunin’s Investigation and Extradition 

In October 2024, he was detained by FBI agents in Portugal for operating Gotbit and conducting crypto pump-and-dump schemes.

Investigators found that Gotbit partnered with crypto projects to artificially increase trade volumes and boost token prices. Two directors of the company, Fedor Kedrov and Qawi Jalili, also face charges.

In February 2025, Andriunin was extradited to the U.S. For his role in operating Gotbit from 2018 to 2024 and defrauding investors, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Before his arrest, Andriunin had a large social media presence, analyzing the market and actively engaging with the crypto community.

Upon pleading guilty, the Gotbit CEO agrees to forfeit $23 million in Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) stablecoins held in crypto wallets that he controls on Gotbit’s behalf.

It's important to note that while the Gotbit founder plea deal provides a framework for sentencing, the final sentence will be determined by the court, which is not obligated to follow the agreement's recommendations.

Market Manipulation Remains a Big Concern in Crypto 

The 2025 Crypto Crime Report by Chainalysis reveals that up to $2.57 billion in suspected wash trading and pump-and-dump schemes are still prevalent in the crypto space. The report emphasizes that these manipulative practices continue to be a “critical concern” for industry participants underscoring their widespread nature.

To avoid financial losses, investors should remain cautious of hype-driven opportunities and influencer promotions. It's crucial to calculate risks carefully and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.