Russian Central Bank Suggests Using Crypto to Counter Western Sanctions

Russia’s central bank has urged businesses to consider various payment solutions, including cryptocurrencies and digital assets, to manage transactions with foreign partners and counter Western sanctions. Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina highlighted that the central bank has softened its stance on the use of cryptocurrencies in international payments. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to … Read more

Venezuela Likely to Keep Using Crypto to Bypass New Set of US Sanctions

According to Venezuelan dissidents and cryptocurrency analysts, the government of Venezuela is likely to keep using crypto to bypass the returning sanctions on oil and gold activities. Even when Nicolas Maduro’s administration seems to have been affected by corruption cases involving crypto, watchers report that these tools will keep diverting funds from regular channels. Venezuelan … Read more

Moscow Exchange Stops Trading in Dollar and Euro Due to US Sanctions

On Wednesday, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) announced new restrictions on its trading activities. The exchange revealed that, due to the enactment of U.S. sanctions against its platform, it would stop activity in all trading pairs involving the U.S. dollar and the euro. These measures came into effect on June 13th and affected FX, precious metals, … Read more

US Treasury Expands Sanctions to Cripple Russian War Economy

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Wednesday that over 300 new sanctions have been issued to intensify pressure on Russia for its ongoing war against Ukraine. These measures, in alignment with G7 commitments, target entities and individuals globally to cripple Russia’s military-industrial base by restricting access to U.S. software, IT services, and foreign financial support. The … Read more

US Lawmakers Urge Treasury Action on Russian Crypto Exchange Sanctions Evasion

U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), along with Congressmen Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen regarding the Moscow-based cryptocurrency exchange Garantex. They expressed concerns that Garantex is reportedly facilitating sanctions evasion and funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The letter cited reports indicating that $20 billion … Read more

US Sanctions Lockbit Leader in Ransomware Crackdown

On May 7, the U.S. announced sanctions against Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a key figure in the Lockbit ransomware group. The U.S., alongside international allies including the UK and Australia, has taken coordinated measures to curb the activities of this prominent cybercriminal group. Khoroshev, responsible for developing and deploying Lockbit ransomware, is now facing an indictment … Read more