Russia Proposes Expanded Crypto Liability

The head of Russia's Central Bank believes that the circulation of cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets (CFAs) in Russia should gradually converge. Russia is reportedly open to dialogue with Europe following a drone attack. Banks in Russia that operate with cryptocurrency will be subject to a separate prudential regulatory regime. This action is linked to cryptocurrency mining and Southeast Asian scam networks. Bitcoin has fallen significantly from its peak, with capital outflow from crypto funds observed for four consecutive months. This move is part of an effort to address increasing scam cases involving cryptocurrency transfers, which have resulted in over $182 million in losses in 2025. The illegal circulation of cryptocurrency is set to become a criminal offense in Russia. Russia is attempting to align cryptocurrency market regulation with the taxation logic applied to stocks and securities. The Moscow Exchange may begin trading cryptocurrency as early as 2027, following government approval of draft bills to regulate digital assets in Russia. Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina proposed expanding liability for cryptocurrency operations. The Federal Tax Service indicated that crypto miners will pay taxes for 2025. Separately, a strike force froze $580 million in cryptocurrency linked to Southeast Asian scam networks.