Catenaa, Sunday, August 31, 2025-Britain imposed sanctions on Russian-linked crypto networks and Kyrgyz firms, including Grinex LLC and Old Vector LLC, targeting efforts to bypass existing Western sanctions.
The measures also focus on the infrastructure behind A7A5, a rouble-pegged stablecoin reportedly moving $9.3 billion in four months.
The sanctions cover eight individuals and entities, including three people accused of supporting Russia’s financial system, facilitating sanctions evasion, or providing services to the Russian state-owned Promsvyazbank.
British Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said the Kremlin would not succeed in using crypto networks to weaken the impact of Western penalties.
The actions follow recent talks in Washington between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The US sanctioned Grinex and Old Vector last week for their role in illicit crypto activity and aiding sanctions evasion.
Britain’s measures signal increased focus on crypto channels being used to bypass restrictions and emphasize the UK’s commitment to pressuring Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Analysts note that the sanctions could disrupt the operations of these networks and complicate efforts to transfer funds via digital assets linked to Russian financial interests.
