2 Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty in Lockbit Ransomware Case

Two foreign nationals pleaded guilty in Newark federal court regarding their participation in the Lockbit ransomware organization, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Thursday. Russian citizen Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev, a dual citizen of Canada and Russia, were identified as members of the Lockbit group. Active since January 2020, this group … Read more

Binance Reportedly Removes Restrictions on Russian Users

The world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance, has lifted certain restrictions on Russian users, local crypto media unveiled. According to multiple reports, Russians can once again use their bank cards to make deposits and the trading platform has canceled a limit on their balances which was introduced in compliance with European sanctions. Russian Cards, Including Visa … Read more

Binance Bans Russians From P2P Transactions With Dollars and Euros

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has introduced new restrictions for Russian users, in accordance with the latest European sanctions. The platform is restricting access to peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions in U.S. dollars and euros for traders based in the Russian Federation. Binance Prohibits US Dollar and Euro Transactions for Russians on Its P2P Market The world’s largest crypto … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Allow Russians to Circumvent Sanctions, Report Alleges

Major crypto exchanges have failed to prevent sanctioned Russian banks and traders from transacting, according to a blockchain forensics report. At least two established coin trading platforms continue to allow Russians to use their bank cards in peer-to-peer deals, the analysis shows. It also highlights an increased Russian interest in tether. Russian Traders Still Using … Read more

Russian Founders of Defi Platform Forsage Indicted in $340 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme

Four Russians have been charged in the U.S. with operating a crypto pyramid and Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars. If convicted, they would face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for their roles in the purportedly decentralized finance (defi) platform Forsage. Forsage Founders Charged With Running Cryptocurrency Pyramid A … Read more

Crypto Exchange Bybit Does Not Plan to Sanction Russian Users Despite MAS Call, Report

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has no intention to introduce restrictions for Russian traders, despite a recent reminder by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) about the obligations of crypto providers in that respect. According to a crypto media report, the platform shared its position in correspondence with partners. Bybit Reportedly Vows to ‘Not Discriminate Against Crypto … Read more

US Charges Russians, Venezuelans for Sanctions Evasion Using Cryptocurrency

A group of Russian and Venezuelan nationals have been charged by U.S. authorities for their roles in a scheme to circumvent Western sanctions and launder money on a global scale. They have been accused of obtaining military technologies from American companies, smuggling oil, and disguising money flows for Russian oligarchs through shell companies and crypto … Read more

Crypto Exchange Okx Blocked by Russia’s Telecom Watchdog

Russian media and communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has restricted access to the website of a major cryptocurrency exchange, Okx. The trading platform was one of those that did not restrict access for Russians amid sanctions that affected the industry’s business in Russia. Okx Blacklisted on Request From Russian Prosecutor’s Office for Disseminating Banned Information Russia’s Federal … Read more

Erdogan Suggests Turkish-Russian Payment System, Local Media Reports

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reportedly pushing for Turkey and Russia to establish a new payment system between them. The initiative comes amid U.S. pressure against the use of the Russian Mir cards in Turkey. Some Turkish banks have been working with them to facilitate payments by Russian tourists visiting the country. President Erdogan … Read more

Russian Crypto Scammers Go Offline, Open Offices, Central Bank Worried About Trend

An increasing number of financial and crypto pyramids targeting Russian investors have been opening physical offices in the country. The Central Bank of Russia has recently expressed concern over the trend which is seen as an indication that the fraudsters expect growing demand. Russian Crypto Scams Launch Offices to Lure More Investors In-person, Bank of … Read more