Hello, tech enthusiasts! In an eventful week within the cryptocurrency world, Russian exchange Garantex has found itself under significant scrutiny.

Following an international law enforcement operation where U.S. authorities seized Garantex’s websites, the exchange faced access restrictions from prominent stablecoin issuer Tether, which blocked wallets holding around $28 million.

Rather than publicly addressing the situation through their Telegram, Garantex announced the suspension of all services, including withdrawals.

In a twist, Garantex’s troubles continued when U.S. prosecutors filed charges against two of its administrators, citing money laundering activities connected to cybercriminals and terrorists.

In a bid to reassure its customers, Garantex extended an invitation for face-to-face meetings at its Moscow office, requesting attending customers to bring their linked phones and access to their email for confirmation codes.

While offering a potential lifeline, this unusual request raises questions about customer security, particularly given the exchange’s sanctioned status and the risks posed by the Russian government.

Despite the chaos, Garantex insists they are developing solutions for affected customers, but the path forward remains uncertain as the company navigates legal and operational challenges.