Russia’s State Duma Draft Bill Targets Unlicensed Crypto Trading and Mining

According to RBK, the draft bill would criminalize crypto asset circulation without central bank approval and set penalties of up to seven years in prison if enacted from July 1, 2027.

Summary

RBK reported on the 13th that Russia submitted a draft bill that would criminalize the circulation of crypto assets without approval from the central bank. The measure would apply to unlicensed cryptocurrency-related activity and includes a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a fine of about 2 million yen. The bill is reported to potentially take effect on July 1, 2027, if enacted.

Terms & Concepts
  • Crypto assets: Digital assets that use cryptographic technology and blockchain-based systems, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
  • Central bank approval: Formal authorization from a country’s monetary authority, which in this case would be required for legal crypto asset circulation under the proposed bill.
  • Draft bill: A proposed law that must go through the legislative process before it can take legal effect.