A Canadian cryptocurrency fugitive wanted in the United States is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon through a Washington lobbying firm, according to recently filed U.S. foreign-agent documents. The effort adds a new twist to the case against Andean Medjedovic, who faces allegations tied to millions in losses involving cryptocurrency trading platforms.

A Canadian man wanted in the United States over alleged cryptocurrency-related fraud is now seeking a presidential pardon, according to lobbying records filed with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The filings state that a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm, JM Burkman & Associates, has been retained to advocate on behalf of Andean Medjedovic in connection with the U.S. criminal case against him. The documents say the firm intends to contact government officials in an effort to secure a presidential pardon.

Medjedovic, a Hamilton native, is accused by U.S. authorities of exploiting two cryptocurrency trading platforms and withdrawing approximately $65 million US in investor funds. Authorities in the Netherlands have also brought charges against him in relation to similar allegations. In Ontario, he has also been the subject of a civil proceeding launched by an alleged victim.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the sums involved, but also because it raises questions about how cryptocurrency platform conduct should be treated under traditional legal frameworks. U.S. prosecutors allege Medjedovic used deceptive trading activity to manipulate computerized systems into miscalculating key values, allowing him to extract millions. The lobbying firm, however, reportedly disputes that characterization and argues that the transactions were carried out within the rules of the platforms’ code.

That position reflects a broader argument sometimes described as “code is law,” a concept often associated with crypto-related disputes. Under that reasoning, if a platform’s programming allows a certain outcome, users should not necessarily be held criminally responsible for taking advantage of it. Critics argue that such a view would undermine market integrity and leave investors exposed to sophisticated forms of manipulation.

The Ontario civil case has added another dimension to the matter. A judge issued a warrant for Medjedovic’s arrest after he failed to participate in the proceeding, according to the report. Counsel for an alleged victim has described the conduct as market manipulation and warned against treating this kind of activity as legitimate trading.

The lobbying records also state that Medjedovic paid the firm a $300,000 US retainer. According to the report, the firm says it has already begun contacting members of Congress while also expressing hope that the U.S. Justice Department could ultimately drop the case. Failing that, the firm’s stated objective is to obtain a pardon from the president.

The development adds an unusual political and cross-border element to a case that already spans multiple jurisdictions. It also highlights the increasingly complex legal issues surrounding cryptocurrency platforms, investor protection, and the line between technical exploitation and criminal fraud.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.