Russian-British Citizen Charged for Crypto Transfers to Pro-Russian Militias
A Russian-British dual citizen faced legal action for sending cryptocurrency to pro-Russian groups in eastern Ukraine. The individual,Mikhail Vlasov,appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ court on Tuesday. He is accused of violating UK sanctions by funding separatist militias.
Vlasov, aged 53, faces eight charges. The accusations claim he transferred around £4,000 in crypto between April 2022 and April 2023. These funds allegedly supported military activities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These areas are involved in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Prosecutor anja Hohmeyer explained that the crypto was meant to buy military gear like drones and weapons. The UK has strict sanctions against these regions due to the Ukraine-Russia war. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
this case is significant as its only the second time someone in the UK has been charged for breaching sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. The sanctions aim to limit financial support to pro-Russian groups.
According to Hohmeyer, Vlasov knowingly violated these rules.His actions allegedly helped fund the Russian military’s efforts in eastern Ukraine. The conflict escalated after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
