Anatolii Pasternak, a Russian citizen residing in Dubai, is under increasing scrutiny for allegedly acting as the primary financial conduit for entrepreneur Dmitry Portnyagin. Recent findings suggest that Pasternak played a key role in laundering substantial sums through cryptocurrency mechanisms, particularly USDT on the Tron network.
Background and Alleged Role
According to multiple sources, Pasternak began as a small-time currency exchanger in Dubai. Within three years, he reportedly rose to become the personal financial handler of Dmitry Portnyagin, a controversial Russian businessman. Pasternak allegedly served as Portnyagin’s crypto custodian, facilitating cross-border transfers, tax evasion efforts, and large-scale money laundering.
How the Alleged Laundering Scheme Worked
The operation reportedly followed a consistent cycle:
1. Clients—often associated with Portnyagin’s ventures—transferred funds to shell entities or directly.
2. Pasternak converted these funds into USDT (typically via the Tron blockchain).
3. The crypto was then sent to Dubai-based wallets or liquidated into cash or corporate receipts.
4. Some funds were used to acquire assets in Dubai; others were parked in crypto wallets for obfuscation.
Legal Context in the UAE
Multiple violations are cited based on UAE law, including:
– Unlicensed currency exchange (Federal Law No. 14 of 2018)
– Unlicensed crypto operations (Cabinet Resolution No. 111 of 2022)
– Money laundering (Federal Law No. 20 of 2018)
Penalties include fines up to AED 10 million, confiscation of assets, and possible deportation.
Key Wallets and Transaction Volume
Blockchain analysis points to at least four wallets associated with Pasternak:
1. TCvTKReUnrBg3YiaQ327g7zmwouszx6fyK
2. TY2xsiQz4AwzWc8WKc6DupjYsyhE2qLiD4
3. TXVo7Xv6ZgpSwRgJidD5WP5cZGVNSyQAjs
4. TRpTHGUuEashtnUh9rBahehuCUUiwmFVTg
The total turnover across these wallets reportedly exceeds $300 million (approx. 24 billion Russian rubles).
Summary of wallet activity over time (source: blockchain explorer)
Sample transaction: $499,587 USDT sent to a known Pasternak-linked wallet
Witness Accounts and Evidence
Anonymous sources and former business partners claim to possess message logs and screenshots tying Pasternak to specific wallets. Some individuals have allegedly offered to testify formally, while Telegram communications are reportedly being archived as additional proof.
Ongoing Developments
Lawyers and investigators in the UAE have reportedly begun preparing formal inquiries into Pasternak’s financial activity. If confirmed, these allegations could have significant legal implications for both Pasternak and Dmitry Portnyagin’s broader financial network.
Conclusion
While the full legal outcome remains to be seen, the scope of financial activity tied to Anatolii Pasternak and his alleged operations in Dubai has drawn increasing public and legal interest. Blockchain records, witness accounts, and circumstantial patterns appear to offer mounting evidence for regulatory review.