Athlete vs. Crypto Investors: High-Profile Case in Moscow

🚔 Taekwondo World Champion Arrested in Moscow for Extortion from Crypto Investors with Police Involved in Organized Crime

Former taekwondo world champion Emin Chetinbag has found himself at the center of a major criminal case. He is suspected of being part of an organized crime group (OCG) that extorted money from crypto investors.

Investigation’s version

According to law enforcement, in February 2025 Chetinbag joined a six-member group. The gang’s leader recruited acquaintances, including the athlete and several police officers. Chetinbag’s role was to identify victims among crypto investors, build trust, arrange meetings, and pass information about their whereabouts to accomplices.

After that, “enforcers” entered the picture – individuals posing as law enforcement officers. They showed official IDs, threatened criminal charges, arrests, and operational searches. Victims were intimidated with the most serious accusations, including even “aiding terrorist activities.”

In this way, the group forced victims to part with money or crypto assets under threats of pressure and fabricated charges.

Scale and loot

Investigators claim the group is already tied to several episodes. In total, they allegedly extorted about 4 million rubles (around $43,000–45,000).

To cover the scheme, active officers from a Moscow police department were involved. The use of real badges increased credibility and made the threats more convincing.

Criminal charges and punishment

The defendants face serious charges:

• Article 286, Part 3, paragraphs “a,” “g,” “e” of the Russian Criminal Code — abuse of office;
• Article 159, Part 4 — fraud.

If convicted, they face up to ten years in prison.

Currently, five members have been formally charged and remain in custody. Another suspect is on the run.

Chetinbag’s role

Investigators believe Emin Chetinbag acted as the link between the organizer and the victims. Using his sports status and trust, he befriended crypto investors, learned about their lifestyles and incomes, arranged meetings, and checked the situation.

Then, at a pre-arranged moment, accomplices would appear, staging arrests and threats of criminal prosecution.

⚖️ Outcome

The case looks like a textbook example of the intertwining of crime and corrupt law enforcement. The involvement of a world-class athlete only amplified public outcry.

The investigation is ongoing, and new episodes or additional suspects may emerge.

Crypto investors are increasingly becoming targets for criminals. Why? Their assets are easily transferable and anonymous, transactions are irreversible. In many ways, this is “21st-century cash” with no legal safeguards.

That’s why criminals are inventing new ways to “harvest” it: from hacker attacks to outright kidnappings. The Chetinbag case shows that the hunt for crypto wealth is no longer just a street game – people with status, reputation, and even police badges are joining in.