Ex-Binance exec Vladimir Smerkis detained for alleged $15M fraud, Blum distances itself

19-5-2025 – Vladimir Smerkis, once a prominent Binance executive and co-founder of the Telegram-based cryptocurrency venture Blum, finds himself in a Moscow detention cell, accused of orchestrating large-scale fraud. On 18 May, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court sanctioned his custody pending a thorough investigation, as reported by Russian news agency TASS. Smerkis faces allegations under Article [. source: https://www.cointrackdaily.com/ex-binance-exec-vladimir-smerkis-detained-for-alleged-15m-fraud-blum-distances-itself/