Religious Ban on Cryptocurrencies Provokes Social Media Reproach in Ingushetia

A decision by a prominent religious body in Ingushetia to prohibit dealings with cryptocurrency has sparked controversy in the predominantly Muslim Russian republic. Critics have taken to social media to express their disagreements with the ban, pointing out that the treatment of bitcoin in Islamic jurisdictions is not one-sided. Islamic Cleric Explains Reasoning Behind Crypto … Read more

Whistleblower Edward Snowden Says $6 Trillion in Stimulus Is ‘Good for Bitcoin’

The infamous whistleblower and privacy activist Edward Snowden commented on bitcoin on Friday, after the Biden administration said this week it was shooting for 6 trillion dollars in stimulus proposals. Following the $6 trillion in stimulus headlines, Snowden commented on the situation and said it was “good for bitcoin.” Edward Snowden Jabs Biden’s 6 Trillion-Dollar … Read more

Russian Lawmakers Move to Allow Crypto Payments Under Contracts

Members of the State Duma are now working on amendments that will permit the use of cryptocurrency as a contractual means of payment. Digital financial assets are regarded as property under Russian law and the changes will legalize crypto payments between parties to a contract. State Duma to Amend Civil Code to Legalize Contractual Crypto … Read more

Best Goal Scorer at Euro Soccer Championship to Get NFT Trophy From Gazprom

The player with the best goal at Europe’s international soccer championship this summer will be awarded a special prize. European football’s governing body, UEFA, and the tournament’s sponsor, Russia’s Gazprom, are behind the initiative to present the winner with an NFT trophy. UEFA, Gazprom to Award Best Goal Prize at Euro 2020 The unique prize … Read more

France Rejects Russian Request to Extradite BTC-e Operator Alexander Vinnik

Judicial authorities in France have refused to grant the extradition request filed by Russia for Alexander Vinnik. According to the Russian Ombudsman, Vinnik is now ready to start a new hunger strike despite his health deteriorating after spending almost four years in detention. Court Case Against Vinnik Continues in France The operator of the infamous … Read more

Bank of Russia to Launch Digital Ruble Prototype by End of Year

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is preparing to release a digital prototype of the national fiat towards the end of 2021, a high-ranking official has confirmed. Transfers between private individuals will be free of charge with the digital ruble, which is going to have legal tender status on par with Russia’s traditional currency. Bank … Read more

Election Candidates in Russia to Disclose Crypto Investments, New Bill Suggests

A new bill obliging candidates running for election in Russia to declare their spending on digital assets has hit the floor of the State Duma. According to the draft, Russian politicians will be required to disclose details about every crypto purchase they and their families make, if the total exceeds a certain amount. Candidates to … Read more