A Document Leak Reveals the Extent of Crypto Usage in the Russian Influence Strategy

Confidential documents have uncovered a sprawling cryptocurrency network tied to Moscow, with nearly $8 billion funneled through stablecoins to circumvent Western sanctions. The funds allegedly financed political operations in Moldova, underscoring crypto's emergence as a tool for hybrid warfare.

The leaked files expose the A7 network, linked to Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, which processed $8 billion in crypto transactions over 18 months. A stablecoin pegged to the ruble, A7A5, served as the primary vehicle to evade financial controls and replace Tether. Mobile applications and direct payments to activists reportedly facilitated the influence campaigns.

Sanctioned Russian bank Promsvyazbank holds nearly half of the A7 network, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. The system operates as a sophisticated sanctions-bypass mechanism, enabling fund transfers for Russian entities locked out of traditional banking channels.