Russia Takes Second Place Rank by Power Capacity in Crypto Mining, Reports

Russia is now ranking second in terms of energy capacities engaged in the extraction of cryptocurrencies, new data suggests. Despite persisting regulatory uncertainty and the negative effects of sanctions, the amount of power devoted to the sector has been growing, reaching record highs this year. 1 GW of Electrical Power Involved in Crypto Mining in … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Must Share User Data With Russia, Prosecutor General Demands

Digital asset exchanges must be obliged to provide user information to Russia’s law enforcement agencies, the country’s Prosecutor General has insisted. The circulation of cryptocurrencies in the Russian Federation needs to be regulated to counter money laundering, the official added. Cryptocurrency Exchanges Have to Report to Russian Authorities, Chief Prosecutor Says Crypto service providers should … Read more

Ukraine Dismantles $40 Million Russian Crypto Pyramid

Ukrainian law enforcement has exposed a financial pyramid originating from Russia suspected of making millions of U.S. dollars. The scam convinced victims to send fiat money and cryptocurrency by promising profitable investments in big companies around the world. Large Crypto Pyramid Scheme With Russian Roots Busted in Ukraine Officers from the Security Service of Ukraine … Read more

Household Crypto Holdings Included in Bank of Russia’s Consumer Finance Survey

The Central Bank of Russia has added crypto asset holdings of households to its survey of consumer finances. The statistics reveal that Russian families keep more money in cryptocurrency wallets than in gold investment accounts or mutual funds. Russia’s Central Bank Evaluates Cryptocurrency Holdings of Russian Households The Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR) … Read more

Most Crypto Sent From Wallets Sponsoring Russia in Ukraine War Reaches CEXs, Binance, Research Shows

Millions of U.S. dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency has been sent to centralized exchanges (CEXs), most notably Binance, from wallets providing funds in support of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, transaction data suggests. According to Ukrainian analysts, the money was transferred to the crypto trading platforms in order to be laundered. Over 90% of Pro-Russian Crypto … Read more

Arrested Bitzlato Exchange Founder Seeks Help From Crypto Community

The founder of crypto exchange Bitzlato, who is facing a money laundering case in the U.S., is seeking support from members of the community. Anatoly Legkodymov was arrested in January for his role in the trading platform which allegedly processed millions of dollars’ worth of illicit funds. Bitzlato Founder Looking for Bail Guarantors in U.S. … Read more

Credit Suisse, UBS, Other Banks Facing Russia Sanctions Probe in US, Report

Switzerland’s troubled Credit Suisse and its rescuer, USB, are subject to an investigation into whether bankers helped Russian oligarchs evade Western sanctions, according to a media report. Some major U.S. banking institutions are also under scrutiny within the probe initiated by the Justice Department, sources say. Credit Suisse, US Banks Investigated for Suspected Sanctions Violations … Read more

Crypto Exchange Bitzlato Restores User Access to Half of Bitcoin Balances, Report

Bitzlato users can now partially withdraw their bitcoin funds from the dismantled cryptocurrency exchange, according to a media report. The Russia-linked trading platform was targeted by Western law enforcement and had its France-based server infrastructure seized in January. Bitzlato Customers Allowed to Withdraw Up to 50% of Their Bitcoin at the Exchange Users of Bitzlato’s … Read more

Blockchain to Become More Relevant in Payments This Year, Sberbank Exec Says

Blockchain technology can help solve current issues with settlements, according to the deputy chief executive of Sberbank. Russia’s largest bank is working with other financial institutions to develop blockchain-based payment applications, the banker revealed. Sberbank Sees Solution to Russia’s Troubles With Settlements in Blockchain With major Russian banks disconnected from the main global interbank payment … Read more

Several Crypto Mining Operations Busted in Russia

Authorities and power utilities in various Russian regions have shut down illegal crypto mining farms, seizing hardware and taking operators to court. The action against the coin minting facilities comes amid discussions on a proposal to introduce criminal liability for miners breaking the upcoming legislation for the industry. ‘Underground’ Crypto Mining Farms Shut Down Across … Read more