The Andean Medjedovic Case: A $65 Million Crypto Heist Spanning Continents

The crypto industry has witnessed its share of security breaches, but few cases are as complex and internationally entangled as the one involving 21-year-old Andean Medjedovic. Accused of orchestrating a $65 million theft across multiple DeFi platforms, this Canadian fugitive represents a new breed of tech-savvy criminal operating across multiple jurisdictions. The case raises critical questions about cryptocurrency security, international law enforcement coordination, and the challenges of extradition in the digital age.

The Technical Mastermind Behind Two Major Hacks

Andean Medjedovic’s criminal repertoire began remarkably early. At just 18 years old, leveraging his exceptional skills in mathematics and programming, he reportedly executed an unauthorized exploit against Indexed Finance, successfully siphoning off $16.5 million in digital assets. This attack demonstrated sophisticated technical knowledge and planning. Not satisfied with his initial success, Medjedovic allegedly turned his attention to KyberSwap in 2023, orchestrating another heist that netted him approximately $48 million.

Together, these two incidents account for the alleged $65 million theft that has made him a target of international law enforcement agencies. The progression from his first attack to the second shows an escalation in both ambition and technical execution, painting the picture of a criminal who had refined his methods.

The International Manhunt and Failed Extradition

The wheels of international justice began turning when Serbian authorities apprehended Medjedovic in Belgrade in August 2024. However, a significant complication emerged when the Serbian court rejected the Netherlands’ formal extradition request. This legal setback allowed Medjedovic to be released, despite facing serious charges from multiple countries. Intelligence agencies now believe he has sought refuge in Bosnia, though his exact location remains undetermined.

What makes this case particularly challenging for law enforcement is Medjedovic’s apparent mobility and use of fraudulent travel documents. Investigators have tracked his movements across multiple countries, including Brazil, Dubai, and Spain, where he utilized a forged Slovak passport to evade detection. This international dimension of the case demonstrates how crypto criminals exploit legal gray areas and jurisdictional limitations.

Following the Money: Laundering Through Mixer Services

The U.S. Department of Justice has brought charges against Andean Medjedovic alleging that he engaged in money laundering operations to obscure the origins of his stolen cryptocurrency assets. According to investigations, he reportedly funneled illicit proceeds through Tornado Cash and similar mixing services—tools designed to obscure transaction trails and break the link between criminal activities and clean markets.

This laundering component highlights a persistent vulnerability in the crypto ecosystem: while blockchain transactions are theoretically traceable, the existence of sophisticated mixing protocols creates significant challenges for asset recovery and criminal prosecution. The ability to fragment and anonymize large sums of cryptocurrency makes tracking and freezing assets extraordinarily difficult.

Defiance Despite Multiple Warrants

Despite facing active arrest warrants from law enforcement agencies across multiple countries, Andean Medjedovic has maintained his innocence throughout court proceedings. In previous statements, he has categorically denied all charges leveled against him. More remarkably, he has claimed to be earning $100,000 monthly as a freelance cryptocurrency professional, suggesting he continues to operate in the digital asset space despite the international manhunt.

Whether through skill, evasion, or the inherent challenges of cross-border law enforcement, Andean Medjedovic remains at large. The case exemplifies the growing challenge that crypto-related crimes pose to traditional international legal frameworks, where technical sophistication and geographic mobility often outpace the speed of legal proceedings and diplomatic cooperation.