EU Sanctions A7 Crypto Network Tied to Russian Election Interference

The European Union has imposed sanctions on pro-Kremlin influencer Simeon Boikov and Moldova-based platform A7 for leveraging cryptocurrency to spread disinformation and circumvent Western financial restrictions. Boikov, known as the 'Aussie Cossack,' allegedly fabricated a video claiming voter fraud in Georgia during the 2024 U.S. election, funded through cash-to-crypto services and non-KYC Russian exchanges.

A7, linked to fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, issued the ruble-backed stablecoin A7A5, reportedly moving billions to influence Moldova's 2024 elections and EU accession referendum. TRM Labs' Isabella Chase asserts these sanctions will 'really put pressure on those actors.' The MOVE underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto's role in geopolitical manipulation.