Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has informed parliament of its disapproval of the bill to ban cryptocurrency. Experts say a ban will be ineffective as people can use technology to bypass it, leading to the creation of an “uncontrolled black market.”
Russian Ministry Criticizes Bill to Ban Crypto
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has sent a letter to the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, criticizing the bill that seeks to ban cryptocurrency in the country. Local publication Kommersant reported Wednesday that it has seen the letter.
Russian officials detailed that the bill proposes a complete ban on the issuance and circulation of existing cryptocurrencies in Russia, penalizing legal entities and individual entrepreneurs engaged in these activities. The ministry explained that the existing legislation for cross-border transactions does not protect the rights of cryptocurrency users, asserting that this will push all operations outside Russia, which will lead to losses for the country’s economy.
In its letter, the ministry stressed the need to change the text of the bill to provide for “the creation of mechanisms for the controlled circulation of cryptocurrencies.” They may include establishing requirements for the issuance and turnover of cryptocurrencies and their operators. Procedures for allowing these operators to carry out crypto-related activities should also be established. The letter continues, “Sub-legislative regulation of this issue is proposed to be attributed to the powers of the government of the Russian Federation (together with the Bank of Russia).”
Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Market,
