Russia’s Proposed Crypto Ban Opposed by Ministry of Justice

Russia’s proposed ban on crypto, which seeks to restrict all crypto-related activities within the Russian Federation, has suffered yet another setback following a negative review by the government’s vital arm.

Russia’s Ministry of Justice challenged the newly proposed bill seeking to ban cryptos on 16 June, exactly seven days after Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development also issued a scathing criticism of the bill. The new bill was proposed by the legislators back in March, but it is believed to be the original idea of the nation’s central bank.

Russia’s proposed crypto ban criticized by both the public and government bodies

The Russian central bank is known to be anti-cryptocurrencies and does not support the use of digital currencies. After being revealed, the new proposal seeking to prohibit individuals from using the country’s necessary facilities to run any crypto-operations was met with some cruel reviews from the Russian cryptocurrency community. 

Notably, the proposal seeks to bar Russians from utilizing the country’s infrastructure to conduct, run, or operate any crypto-related activities. However, individual people will be allowed to inherit digital assets or receive them due to the counterparty’s bankruptcy procedure. Additionally, cryptocurrencies can be seized like any other property by a court order.

More clarity required

According to Russia’s Ministry of Justice, the bill does not clarify the justice system on what to do with confiscated digital assets. Under normal circumstances, marshals sell the confiscated assets through auctions, but with crypto transactions being prohibited in the country, this will be impossible. 

Instead of the standard procedure, the Russian Ministry of Finance proposes that a government agency be assigned to assist Russians in selling their cryptocurrency holdings overseas. Meanwhile, Anatoly Aksakov, the sponsor of the draft bill while speaking to Tass news agency, stated that the draft bill on digital securities is already finalized. It is only awaiting to go through the final reading.

Arnold Kirimi: Arnold is a fan of crypto and blockchain. A media specialist experienced in hard-hitting journalism, he is also on the lookout for the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world.