RUSSIA
U.S. Treasury Targets Russian Crypto Economy with Sanctions on A7A5 and Exchanges
The U.S. Treasury's OFAC has imposed sanctions on Russian crypto economy players, including Garantex, Grinex, and the A7A5 token, aiming to curb sanction evasion efforts.
NCA Targets Russian Money Laundering Networks in Major Operation
The UK’s National Crime Agency disrupts a major Russian money laundering network, leading to 84 arrests and the seizure of over 20 million Euros in cash and cryptocurrency.
Russia Legalizes Crypto Mining and Payments Amid Sanctions
In response to Western sanctions, Russia has enacted legislation legalizing cryptocurrency mining and international payments, a strategic pivot aimed at mitigating economic pressures.
OFAC Sanctions Russian UAV Developer KB Vostok Amid Ukraine Conflict
OFAC imposes sanctions on Russian drone developer KB Vostok, linked to Ukraine invasion, disrupting Russia’s military supply chain.
He Yi Discusses Binance's Regulatory Strategy Amid Actions Against Binance and Zhao Changpen
In a public letter, He Yi, Co-founder of Binance, discusses the company's compliance strategy, which gains significance amidst a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry initiated on May 6, 2023, 13 SEC charges, and the company's recent exit from the Russian market.
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
Sberbank Executive Touts Blockchain for Russia
Sberbank executive Alexander Vedyakhin believes blockchain technology could help Russia solve current settlement issues, offering new capabilities for payment systems.
Russian Crypto Advocates Urge Putin to Address Delayed Regulations
The Russian Association of Crypto Industry and Blockchain (RACIB) has written an open letter to President Vladimir Putin urging him to address the risks of delayed cryptocurrency regulations in Russia. The letter argues that Russia has been too slow to implement legal regimes for crypto adoption and highlights the potential complications of proposed amendments to the current crypto law.
A British National Charged With Aiding North Korea in Violating US sanctions
Despite the DoJ's crypto financial sanctions targeting Russia, local authorities helped their American colleagues.
Bank of Russia to Debut Digital Ruble in April 2023
The Bank of Russia is planning a consumer pilot for the digital ruble and a gold-backed cryptocurrency.
Russia Gives Tax Incentives to Crypto Miners
Russia offers tax benefits for crypto mining investors during tough times.
Gazprombank suggests banks be given more time to adjust to digital
Gazprom, a Russian state-owned company, suggested allowing banks extra time to deploy the "digital ruble."
Russia largest bank is moving forward with the plan
Sberbank, Russia's biggest bank, will begin open DeFi platform testing in April 2023.
Binance shuts down accounts in relation to Bitzlato investigation
The U.S. Department of Justice announced action against Binance, which blocked accounts due to the Bitzlato probe.
Binance linked to illegal cryptocurrency platform Bitzlato
Binance is related to Bitzlato, according to FinCEN. The obscure platform collected $206 million from darknet marketplaces, $224 million through frauds, and $9 million from ransomware perpetrators.