Russian State Duma passes bill on cryptocurrency seizure and confiscation procedures

PANews reported on February 11 that, according to Bits.media, the Russian State Duma has passed a procedural law on the seizure and confiscation of cryptocurrencies in criminal cases during its final reading. The bill affirms the legal status of cryptocurrencies as property and clarifies the seizure process.

According to the bill, law enforcement agencies are required to record the type, quantity, and wallet address of digital assets seized. Related storage devices, information carriers, and wallet access keys must be kept in sealed containers. If technically feasible, seized cryptocurrencies can be transferred to designated national wallets. The bill also authorizes Russian government departments to formulate specific rules for the transfer and storage of seized cryptocurrencies and allows Russian state agencies to cooperate with foreign cryptocurrency exchanges in carrying out seizures or confiscations. The bill is pending approval by the Federation Council and signature by the President, and will take effect ten days after its official publication.