G7 Countries: We Would Guarantee That Russia Is Unable To Escape Penalties By Using Cryptocurrency Assets

On Friday, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries published a united statement regarding additional penalties against Russia. Our countries have taken expansive, restrictive measures that have gravely affected Russia’s economy and financial system, the statement says, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

The G7 joint statement contains the following information: In particular, we will ensure that the Russian state and elites, proxies, and oligarchs cannot use digital assets to evade or negate the impact of international sanctions, in addition to other steps planned to prevent evasion. This, according to the G7 leaders, would further restrict their access to the global financial system. It is widely acknowledged that our present sanctions already cover crypto-assets.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated last week that the Treasury Department is monitoring cryptocurrency use to escape sanctions, and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued red flags on suspected cryptocurrency sanctions evasion.

We will ensure that the Russian state and elites, proxies, and oligarchs cannot utilize digital assets as a way of avoiding or neutralizing the impact of international sanctions, the Group of Seven (G7) countries said in a joint statement. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department is closely monitoring any attempts to bypass or breach Russia-related sanctions, including through the use of virtual currency, according to the US Treasury Department.

The G7 Is Responsible For Guaranteeing That Russia Could Use Cryptocurrency To Escape Penalties

On Friday, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries published a united statement regarding additional penalties against Russia. Our countries have taken expansive, restrictive measures that have gravely affected Russia’s economy and financial system, the statement says, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Maintaining the efficacy of our restrictive measures, clamping down on evasion, and closing loopholes is one of the actions the G7 countries have agreed to pursue further.

The G7 joint statement contains the following information: In particular, we will ensure that the Russian state and elites, proxies, and oligarchs cannot use digital assets to evade or negate the impact of international sanctions, in addition to other steps planned to prevent evasion. This, according to the G7 leaders, would further restrict their access to the global financial system. It is widely acknowledged that our present sanctions already cover crypto-assets, they said.

The following is the rest of the statement: We pledge to take steps to better detect and prevent illegal conduct, and we will impose fines on illegal Russian actors who use digital assets to enhance and transfer their riches, in accordance with our domestic procedures. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury also released recommendations on Friday to guard against potential attempts to exploit virtual currency to avoid US sanctions imposed on Russia. All U.S. individuals must comply with OFAC requirements, regardless of whether a transaction is denominated in traditional fiat currency or virtual currency, according to the guidance.

The US Treasury Is Keeping An Eye On The Cryptocurrency Industry In Order To Avoid Sanctions Violation

U.S. people, wherever they are situated, including firms that handle virtual currency transactions, must be cautious against attempts to bypass OFAC regulations and must take risk-based procedures to ensure they do not engage in prohibited activities, according to the guidance, which also says: OFAC is keeping a close eye on any attempts to evade or breach Russia-related sanctions, including through the use of virtual currency, and is dedicated to using its extensive enforcement powers to stop violations and promote compliance.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated last week that the Treasury Department is monitoring cryptocurrency use to escape sanctions, and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued red flags on suspected cryptocurrency sanctions evasion.

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Andrew is a blockchain developer who developed his interest in cryptocurrencies while his post-graduation. He is a keen observer of details and shares his passion for writing along with being a developer. His backend knowledge about blockchain helps him give a unique perspective to his writing