President Vladimir Putin has signed a brand new legislation granting Russian courts the ability to seize or confiscate crypto property corresponding to Bitcoin. It comes as Russia pushes for crypto rules and crackdown overseas crypto exchanges. Also, Telegram founder Pavel Durov is dealing with prison investigations within the nation.
Russian President Putin Signs Law to Confiscate Crypto and Bitcoin
President Vladimir Putin signed a brand new legislation that may amend Russia’s Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, recognizing crypto property as intangible property, Kommersant reported.
The legislation grants courts the ability to seize or confiscate digital property, together with Bitcoin, in prison circumstances. The legislation stipulates that police or prosecutors’ requests to confiscate crypto should embody particulars on the kind and amount of crypto property, together with the wallet addresses.
In some circumstances, funds could also be transferred to a particular tackle. The authorities should decide the procedures for transfers and storage.
Deputy Justice Minister Elena Ardabyeva mentioned the legislation codifies the prevailing observe of seizing digital property. The legislation additionally offers authorized grounds for cooperation with overseas crypto exchanges.
Russia is engaged on new crypto rules this yr and needs merchants to use home platforms or crypto exchanges which have a bodily presence in Russia.
Russia’s Crackdown on Crypto and Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
Experts say the Kremlin might start blocking residents’ entry to overseas crypto exchanges this yr. The authorities claims that residents spend a collective $650 million a day on crypto buying and selling.
Recent U.S and EU developments give attention to banning crypto transactions with Russian entities to tighten sanctions. Blockchain analytics agency Elliptic reported that Bitpapa, Garantex, and ABCeX have been among the many crypto exchanges linked to Russian-tied transactions evading Western sanctions.
It coincides with the federal government’s plans to introduce new crypto market regulatory laws by July 1. Russia would possibly draw from Belarus’ mannequin, which restricts unlicensed overseas platforms however doesn’t totally eradicate entry.
Some imagine the US might drop behind Russia in crypto regulation due to the Clarity Act politicization. As talks on stablecoin yields advance following the White House’s March 1 deadline proposal, the chances of passing dropped to 48% on Polymarket.
Meanwhile, Telegram founder Pavel Durov confirmed that Russia has opened a prison case in opposition to him for “aiding terrorism.” He claims Russia is proscribing entry to Telegram as they search to suppress the appropriate to privateness and free speech.
Russia has opened a prison case in opposition to me for “aiding terrorism.” Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to limit Russians’ entry to Telegram as they search to suppress the appropriate to privateness and free speech. A tragic spectacle of a state afraid of its personal individuals.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) February 24, 2026
