Moody’s: Cryptocurrencies Unlikely to Help Russia Evade Sanctions

Russia’s ability to employ cryptocurrencies to circumvent international sanctions is restricted by the limited size of the crypto market, according to Moody’s. Despite increased use in small transactions, low liquidity is another factor preventing Russians from exploiting the utility of bitcoin and the like. Crypto Assets Not Viable Option for Sanctioned Russia, Moody’s Report Suggests … Read more

Bankoff Crypto Cards Suspended Amid High Volume of Russian Transactions

Bankoff, a platform offering virtual cards that could be topped up with cryptocurrency, has told customers its cards are no longer supported by payment systems Visa and Stripe. They allowed Russians to pay abroad after major processors restricted their services in the country. Visa and Stripe Halt Support for Bankoff Cards Payment processors Visa and … Read more

Anonymous Hackers Claim to Have Breached Russian Payment Service Provider Qiwi

A hacking group linked to the Anonymous collective has allegedly hit the popular Russian payment processor Qiwi. Network Battalion 65 announced on social media it had managed to gain access to the platform’s databases — a claim the company has denied. Anonymous Affiliate Hacks Russian Payment System Qiwi Hackers from Network Battalion 65 (NB65), a … Read more

Ukrainian Soccer Club Shakhtar to Raise Humanitarian Funds Through NFT Sale

Shakhtar Donetsk, a leading soccer team in Ukraine, will sell a collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The club intends to auction several signed jerseys to raise funds for Ukrainian citizens affected by the ongoing war with Russia. FC Shakhtar Donetsk to Auction Digital Collectibles With Help From Binance Binance NFT, the marketplace for non-fungible tokens … Read more

Binance Blocks Accounts Linked to Relatives of Senior Russian Officials

Digital asset exchange Binance has blocked accounts tied to relatives of government officials in Moscow. Amid mounting international penalties over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the trading platform said it will continue to check for users associated with sanctioned individuals. Crypto Exchange Binance Bans Children of Top Russian Figures Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has … Read more

Finland to Donate Millions of Dollars From Sale of Seized Bitcoin to Ukraine

The government of Finland is discussing supporting Ukraine with part of the money from the liquidation of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency seized in crime investigations. Finnish authorities want to sell the bitcoins soon and say they couldn’t come up with a better idea for the proceeds. Finland Selects Brokers to Sell $75 Million … Read more

Georgians Sell Russian Regions as NFTs to Raise Money for Ukraine

A tech innovations firm based in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is now “selling Russia piece by piece” in the form of NFTs. The money from the collectibles, representing almost 2,500 Russian regions, will be used to help rebuild Ukraine, which was invaded by the Russian army two months ago. Georgian Project Auctions NFTs of Russian Land, … Read more

Bank of Russia to Pilot Digital Ruble Settlements in 2023

Russia’s monetary authority intends to conduct the first settlements with the digital ruble next year, its governor announced this week. Speaking to Russian lawmakers, the official highlighted the important role the new currency is going to play for Russia under sanctions. Russia to Trial Digital Ruble in Settlements, International Payments The full launch of the … Read more

Report Says Binance Shared Client Data With Russia, Crypto Exchange Denies Allegations

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has been accused in a media report of agreeing to provide user data to Russia’s financial watchdog. The trading platform has refuted the allegations. It also insists it’s complying with Western sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Binance Consented to Russian Request for Customer Info, Reuters Claims in ‘Special Report’ … Read more

National Bank of Ukraine Temporarily Bans Cross-Border Crypto Purchases With Hryvnia

The central bank of Ukraine has introduced additional restrictions on international transactions that will prevent Ukrainians from buying crypto assets abroad with the national fiat. The measures are intended to reduce capital outflow amid an ongoing military conflict with Russia. Ukraine Citizens Not Allowed to Buy Crypto Abroad From Local Currency Accounts The National Bank … Read more