UK sanctions A7 crypto network and UAE/Georgia firms, targets exchanges tied to $1.5B Russian war funding

The UK government unveiled a package of sanctions that targets Kremlin-linked crypto networks and Russian financial structures that use cryptocurrencies and offshore firms, identifying the so-called A7 network and sanctioning crypto exchanges linked to roughly $1.5 billion in funding for Russia’s war effort ^{[1] [2]}.

Designated entities include firms registered in the United Arab Emirates and Georgia, which UK authorities say were used as part of a broader sanctions‑evasion network tied to Moscow’s war economy ^[3].

Reports say the UK has sanctioned crypto exchanges under its Russia‑related powers for the first time, a step observers view as a notable escalation that could reshape international approaches to crypto sanctions compliance ^{[4] [2]}.

The measures add to growing international pressure on crypto channels used for sanctions evasion and are likely to increase scrutiny of cross‑border crypto firms and registration jurisdictions ^{[2] [3]}.