Russia Advances Crypto Seizure Bill Amid Regulatory Void
Russia's State Duma committee has greenlit a draft law empowering authorities to confiscate cryptocurrencies in criminal cases, marking a significant step toward formalizing digital asset oversight. The legislation classifies crypto as property under existing criminal codes, enabling seizures via hardware wallets or government-controlled addresses.
The MOVE aims to address enforcement gaps while broader regulations—covering mining, trading, and circulation—remain unfinished. Analysts note the urgency reflects growing state concerns over illicit crypto use, though critics warn of potential overreach without clear safeguards.