Kremlin tightens control over the digital asset market

Russia is preparing to introduce criminal penalties for the illegal circulation of digital currencies, according to Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan. The new legislation aims to penalize unauthorized crypto trading and includes mechanisms for tracking transactions and preventing money laundering through virtual assets.

Source DeCenter

Starting in 2026, fines will range from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles for individuals and 700,000 to 1 million rubles for legal entities. Additionally, any illegally used cryptocurrency will be confiscated and transferred to the state.

These measures form part of a broader effort to tighten government control over the crypto market. The initiative combines administrative and criminal penalties, signaling Moscow’s push for total centralization of the digital economy and restricting independent blockchain activity.