Leaked Documents Reveal $8 Billion Crypto Network in Russia’s Sanctions Evasion

Leaked files have exposed a sprawling cryptocurrency network allegedly tied to Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, with $8 billion in transactions linked to sanctions evasion and election interference. Blockchain forensics firm Elliptic traced the funds through wallets, contracts, and settlement schemes, highlighting the growing role of crypto in geopolitical maneuvering.

The A7 network, founded by Shor, appears deeply entangled with Russia's financial infrastructure. Analysts identified ruble-backed stablecoins and sophisticated transaction flows, suggesting crypto has evolved from a peripheral tool to a central channel for circumventing international restrictions.

While the findings underscore cryptocurrency's potential for illicit finance, experts caution about attribution challenges in Russia's increasingly complex digital asset ecosystem. The scale of operations—spanning bots, apps, and coordinated wallet activity—reveals new dimensions in hybrid financial warfare.