Russian authorities are prioritizing control ahead of legalization. The bill on the seizure of cryptocurrencies in criminal cases is moving faster than comprehensive regulation of the entire digital asset market. The document has already received support from the relevant State Duma committee and is being prepared for final adoption.
At the same time, full-fledged rules for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in the country are still under development.
The State Duma Committee Approved the Mechanism for Seizing Crypto Assets
The Committee on State Building and Legislation of the State Duma of the Russian Federation recommended adopting the law on the seizure of cryptocurrencies in the third and final reading. In fact, Russia is seeking to create tools for the confiscation of digital assets even before operations with them are clearly regulated.
According to the committee’s position, the document is aimed at reducing the risks of using digital currencies in criminal activities. Priorities include combating money laundering, corruption, and the financing of terrorism.
The key innovation is the recognition of digital currency as property within the framework of criminal and criminal procedure law. The lack of such status previously complicated investigations and the enforcement of property claims.
How Exactly Cryptocurrencies Will Be Seized
The bill describes in detail the actions of investigative authorities when digital assets subject to seizure are discovered. Two main mechanisms are proposed.
The first is the physical seizure of storage devices. This refers to servers, computers, hardware wallets, and other devices where access keys are stored. The second option is the transfer of cryptocurrency to a special government wallet under the control of authorized bodies.
Thus, a full-fledged procedure for the arrest of crypto assets is created, with subsequent confiscation for the benefit of the state or to secure a civil claim. This closes the legal gap that has existed in law enforcement practice in recent years.
Political Position: Closing the Legal Vacuum
The ruling United Russia party emphasizes that the law is necessary to adapt the law enforcement system to digital reality. According to the chairman of the relevant committee, the document is based on international recommendations and the experience of foreign jurisdictions.
The bill was submitted by the government back in April 2025. It passed the first reading in June and the second in November. Now only formal approval remains, after which the provisions can come into force.
Cryptocurrency Market Regulation Still Ahead
In parallel, the authorities are preparing a basic law on cryptocurrencies. Work on it has intensified amid sanctions pressure and changing attitudes of regulators toward digital assets.
It is expected that the new concept of the Bank of Russia, published at the end of December, will form the basis. The document envisions the formation of a controlled digital asset market and should be adopted by July 1, 2026.
Within this model, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins are planned to be recognized as monetary assets, but with strict restrictions on use and access.
What Lawmakers Want to Regulate First
The head of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market stated that lawmakers intend to start with basic concepts. The priorities are rules for issuance, mining, and circulation of cryptocurrencies. At the same time, it is proposed to maintain the ban on the use of digital currencies as a means of payment within the country.
The bill that will enshrine these provisions is planned to be considered in the first reading within the next month. Separate acts are expected to establish administrative, financial, and, if necessary, criminal liability for violations in this area.
Access for Citizens, but With Limits
The authorities allow that ordinary citizens will be able to legally purchase crypto assets, including bitcoin. However, this will be in a strictly limited format. For non-qualified investors, an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles is being discussed, which is equivalent to less than $4,000.
This threshold is not yet final and may be revised during discussions. But the general direction is clear: access will be allowed, but under strict control.
Judicial Practice Is Already Changing
Against the backdrop of legislative initiatives, an important signal was the recent decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. It confirmed that cryptocurrency owners have property rights and the right to judicial protection.
This decision strengthens the position of lawmakers and creates a basis for further formation of the legal regime for digital assets.
What This Means in Practice
Russia is building regulation from the end. First come the tools for control and seizure, then the rules for legal circulation. This approach reflects the state’s priority: to minimize risks and ensure market manageability.
The law on the seizure of cryptocurrencies will in fact become the first full-fledged element of crypto regulation in Russia. At the same time, the basic rules for the market will appear later. This strengthens the role of law enforcement mechanisms and sets a tough tone for the future regulation of digital assets.
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