The Department of Justice announced money laundering charges against three Russian citizens for running U.S.-sanctioned cryptocurrency mixing services Blender and Sinbad, which were allegedly used by North Korean hackers to hide cryptocurrency proceeds from cybertheft. Two of the gang members were arrested last month, but the last one remains at large. Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department's criminal division, said the cryptographic mixers provide state-sponsored hacking groups and other cybercriminals with a way to launder money, posing a serious threat to public safety and national security. Analysts believe that the case could further ignite broader discussions on the legality and regulatory policies of crypto-hybrid services, while demonstrating the government's determination to strengthen cryptocurrency regulation.