Russian Prosecutor General Warns Against Hiding Income with Cryptocurrencies
Date: 2023-12-09 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: BLOCKCHAIN, IN WORLD
In a recent interview with RT, Igor Krasnov, the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, emphasized that attempting to hide non-labor income through cryptocurrencies is a fruitless endeavor. He cited real-life cases, including that of a police officer in Tatarstan who was found guilty of illicit enrichment through cryptocurrency activities.
According to the prosecutor's office, this officer acquired digital currencies worth over 28 million rubles on a cryptocurrency exchange. Additionally, he prematurely repaid his mortgage and purchased a vehicle, totaling more than 9 million rubles. Remarkably, his official income over the course of three years amounted to just around 5 million rubles.
Krasnov conveyed a clear message to those contemplating evading taxes by using digital assets: "I hasten to disappoint those who plan to continue hiding their non-labor income in digital assets. Counting on the impossibility of finding crypto assets is pointless. We already have experience in detecting such cases and holding individuals accountable."
He further stated that the prosecutor's office will persist in combating violations of tax laws and pursuing those attempting to evade taxes through cryptocurrency.
The police officer engaged in unlawful cryptocurrency trading was dismissed due to a loss of trust. The prosecutor's office has filed a lawsuit to recover unpaid taxes and impose fines.
In April of this year, Krasnov proposed that cryptocurrency platforms be required to share data with law enforcement agencies. He cited complex geopolitical circumstances and the risks of financing terrorism. Using cryptocurrencies for criminal purposes necessitates regulation and the establishment of legal grounds for procedural actions, including seizure, storage, and confiscation, explained the prosecutor. Earlier, Krasnov had suggested incorporating cryptocurrencies into criminal legislation to recognize them as objects of infringement and impose restrictive measures.
