Russia dismantles Moscow City crypto laundering channels

Russian security services said they have dismantled nine foreign-coordinated cryptocurrency channels operating in the Moscow City business district, in a case officials linked to alleged laundering tied to fraud targeting Russian citizens.

Officials said the action focused on unregistered exchange offices and the support infrastructure that enabled them to operate. Authorities reported detaining more than 20 employees connected to the unregistered exchange offices, as well as several couriers, as part of the operation.

Operation targets unregistered exchanges and courier logistics

Investigators said the Moscow-based structure was tied to Investigators said the Moscow-based structure was tied to transferring money through cryptocurrency on behalf of organizers located outside Russia. Officials described the exchange points as intermediaries used to move funds to accounts controlled by those foreign organizers. Authorities said evidence collected so far supports the view that the network’s activity in Moscow City was aimed at facilitating illicit financial flows rather than conducting legitimate exchange operations. Officials did not provide details on how the channels were coordinated or how long they operated. Investigators link channels to phone scams and online fraud According to investigators, the channels helped launder proceeds generated by large-scale phone scams and online fraud directed at Russian citizens. Officials said the alleged schemes produced funds that were then routed through the unregistered exchange offices.

Authorities said a criminal case has been opened under Article 159 of the Criminal Code. Officials said suspects could face prison terms of up to ten years if convicted.

Inquiry expanding as officials cite tighter digital-asset oversight

Officials said the investigation remains active and is widening, with a focus on identifying additional victims and establishing total losses. Authorities said they do not yet have a final estimate and that the total will depend on further victim identification and financial tracing.

Officials framed the enforcement action as part of a broader tightening of domestic oversight related to digital assets. Authorities said recent government decrees introduced significant restrictions on cryptocurrency mining that extend through 2032.

State officials have also increased public warnings about the use of specific digital tokens, according to the information provided. Officials did not specify which tokens were referenced and did not name the high-profile mining figures they said are drawing increased enforcement attention.

Authorities said the case will continue to develop as investigators identify more victims and quantify the scale of the alleged laundering activity connected to the dismantled channels in Moscow City.