Russia has seen a rise in crypto bribery cases, with corrupt individuals receiving payments in tokens such as Bitcoin (BTC). Marina Odintsova, head of the Kirov branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, mentioned this trend in an interview with Svoy Kirovsky Portal. She noted a recent increase in “non-cash” bribery involving cryptocurrency.
‘Bitcoin Bribery’ – A Landmark Case
Odintsova explained that crypto is one of the three most common methods of transferring bribes in Russia. She said cryptocurrency is the least controlled by the state and extremely difficult to track. However, it is not impossible. She also mentioned a significant case in the Moscow Oblast. The case involves the largest bribe in modern Russian history, connected with cryptocurrency.
In this landmark case, two Russian army investigators demanded thousands of Bitcoin from a group of hackers to halt their investigation. Prosecutors allege that Major Marat Tambiev and another suspect promised not to confiscate $159.6 million worth of crypto if they received BTC 2,718. The hackers reported the bribe to the Federal Security Service. The investigators were charged, and the hackers received jail sentences for cybercrime offenses.
Bribes Handed Out Via ‘Third Parties’
Odintsova also noted that crypto bribes are increasing in less high-profile cases. These bribes often involve non-cash transfers using crypto sent to bribe-takers’ wallets via third parties, such as relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Besides crypto, cash bribes and property bribes are also common methods to close corrupt deals.
Meanwhile, the Russian Central Bank is advancing its fast-tracked CBDC plans. The second phase of its digital ruble project is set to launch in September.
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