According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Just Team network and associated entities may have conducted illegal operations totaling approximately $50 million daily.
U.S. authorities allege that Kulizhnikov worked as a crypto broker for the Just World Pro Crypto Team, also known as Just Hollywood Stars. The network allegedly served drug cartels, including the Mexican Sinaloa and Gulfos, and helped clients circumvent U.S. sanctions against Russia, according to the DEA.
Investigators allege that Kulizhnikov organized the transfer of large sums of cash via couriers and intermediaries. For further fund transfers, bank accounts and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and USDT stablecoins, were used. The suspect created private Telegram groups where members coordinated transaction terms and fund transfers.
Just Team specialized in money transfers to the United States, Colombia, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. Associated intermediaries also operated in the United Kingdom, Australia, Belarus, and Russia. Members of the network charged a commission of 2% to 8% of the transfer amount, depending on the country and transaction terms.
In an effort to uncover the scheme, agents from the DEA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted undercover operations. From 2021 to 2026, agents transferred several million dollars to alleged members of the network. According to court documents, Kulizhnikov was involved in 11 DEA-controlled transfers.
Law enforcement found that Just Team had its own internal system for resolving financial disputes. If a courier embezzled funds or failed to fulfill obligations, network representatives would assemble a committee of 10 to 15 people to determine who should compensate for the losses. Those who refused to return the money could be expelled from the organization.
The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Kulizhnikov's guilt has not yet been determined by the court.
Previously in Georgia, citizens of Russia and Ukraine were detained on suspicion of laundering $390 million through the crypto service AudiA6. According to U.S. law enforcement, the platform assisted cybercriminals in concealing the origin of digital assets.