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pc nid 92757 May 26, 2026 csoo@vixio.com United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority horizon scanning
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United Kingdom Government Announces Sanctions Targeting Russian Cryptocurrency Networks and Illicit Finance Infrastructure

On May 26, 2026, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and illicit finance networks used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and fund its war in Ukraine. The sanctions package includes 18 designations directly targeting Russia's financial infrastructure and key individuals linked to the A7 network, a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions and finance military procurement. The A7 network claimed to have moved more than $90 billion in the previous year, equivalent to roughly half of Russia's yearly military expenditure. The UK's action targets a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network and a major global cryptocurrency exchange believed to have channelled over $1.5 billion to the Kremlin. The package also targets three Georgian companies operating Russia-focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions. These sanctions came into force immediately upon announcement. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK is "moving faster and further than ever before to clamp down on these routes and adapt its approach to stay ahead of Russian evasion tactics." The UK has now sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses, and ships, with Russia's war economy losing over $450 billion due to international sanctions—equivalent to four years of funding for Putin's illegal war. The announcement reflects the UK's commitment to disrupting Russia's evolving financial evasion networks and supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. The full list of Russia sanctions designations is available on the UK Sanctions List.

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UK Government Announces New Sanctions Package Targeting Russian Cryptocurrency Networks and Illicit Finance Infrastructure

On May 26, 2026, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and illicit finance networks used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and fund its war in Ukraine. The sanctions package includes 18 designations directly targeting Russia's financial infrastructure and key individuals linked to the A7 network, a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions and finance military procurement: 1. Entities and individuals involved in supporting the Russian financial sector: EXMO EXCHANGE LIMITED ARVIX LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RAPIRA GROUP LLC ALISTERA LIMITED SOOTY LTD AIFORY LLC BITPAPA IC FZC LLC OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “EURASIAN SAVINGS BANK” LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “DIAMOND ESTATE” TRACE ROAD LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Igor Olegovich GORIN Irina Rafaelyevna AKOPYAN Sergey MENDELEEV 2. Entities and individuals involved in making available funds, economic resources, goods or technology to individuals and entities in the Russian financial sector: NUEVA CRYPTOLOGIA SOCIEDAD POR ACCIONES SIMPLIFICADA DE CAPITAL VARIABLE (S.A.S. DE C.V.) HUOBI GLOBAL S.A. Liran COHEN 3. Entities involved in carrying on business of economic significance to the Government of Russia OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “STATE BROKERAGE COMPANY” OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “VIRTUAL ASSET ISSUER”