Russia-linked | Crypto

UK sanctions Huobi Global S.A., operator of HTX, over alleged role in Russia’s “A7” shadow network, as new analysis claims the exchange handled billions in high‑risk flows. Update (May 27, 2026, 5 pm UTC): This article has been updated to include comments from Global Ledger head of investigations Vladyslav Syrotin. Sanctioned crypto exchange HTX is pushing back against the United Kingdom’s decision to blacklist Huobi Global S.A., the Panamanian company behind the platform, over allegations it helped Russia move money through a shadow “A7” network. In its latest Russia sanctions package on May 26, the UK accused Huobi Global of providing financial services and economic resources to entities already under restrictions for supporting Moscow’s war economy. Read more

Grinex has been accused by US authorities of assisting Russia and other entities in evading sanctions and laundering funds for Russia-linked hackers. Sanctioned crypto exchange Grinex said it has suspended trading after losing more than 1 billion Russian rubles ($13.7 million) to an attack bearing signs of involvement by foreign intelligence agencies. The exchange, which is registered in Kyrgyzstan but has been linked to Russia’s crypto ecosystem and alleged sanctions evasion, said on Thursday that the funds were taken from 54 addresses and that the digital footprint and nature of the attack indicate an “unprecedented level of resources and technology available only to entities of hostile states.” “Due to the attack, the Grinex exchange has been forced to suspend operations. All available information has been transferred to law enforcement agencies. A criminal complaint has been filed at the location of the infrastructure,” it added. Read more