Archive · 1 Jul 2025
UK Man Charged with Crypto Payments to Russian Separatists
A man with dual Russian-British citizenship is in trouble with the law.
He's accused of sending money, in the form of digital currency, to groups in Ukraine that support Russia.
These groups are involved in a conflict there.
The money was allegedly used to buy things like weapons.
The government has rules, called sanctions, that forbid this kind of support.
The man has said he's not guilty and will appear in court again later this month.
If found guilty, he could face severe punishment.
This case is only the second time someone has been charged in the UK for breaking the sanctions against Russia.
A UK man appeared in court on charges of sending cryptocurrency to Russian separatists.
The man, Mikhail Vlasov, faces eight charges related to payments totaling approximately $5,510.
The charges involve breaching British sanctions imposed on the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.
Prosecutors allege the cryptocurrency was used to purchase weapons and military equipment for pro-Russian militias.
Vlasov pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
- Who
- Mikhail Vlasov, a dual Russian-British citizen.
- What
- A man was charged with sending cryptocurrency to Russian separatists.
- When
- The payments were made between April 2022 and April 2023. The court appearance was on Tuesday.
- Where
- Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
- Why
- The funds were allegedly used to buy military equipment, thereby assisting the Russian army.
- Defendant
- Mikhail Vlasov
- Charges
- Eight counts of breaching British sanctions
- Amount
- Approximately $5,510
- Timeframe
- April 2022 - April 2023
- Plea
- Not guilty
- Citizenship
- Dual Russian-British