The Supreme Court of Russia is promoting the classification of cryptocurrency as property in criminal cases

ChainCatcher news, citing TASS, reports that the Supreme Court of Russia is pushing to classify cryptocurrencies as property in criminal cases, aiming to enhance law enforcement's ability to track, freeze, and confiscate illegal digital assets. The Supreme Court is involved in drafting a legislative initiative "aimed at recognizing digital currencies as property in criminal proceedings," which could strengthen law enforcement's capacity to handle crypto-related crimes.

This is not the first time the Supreme Court of Russia has dealt with cryptocurrency issues in legal proceedings. In 2019, the court ruled that exchanging Bitcoin for rubles constitutes money laundering if the digital currency was obtained through illegal activities, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking. The court's ruling further indicates that cryptocurrencies may fall under the jurisdiction of existing anti-money laundering laws. Additionally, in 2021, the court ruled that the electronic currency WMZ used in the Webmoney Transfer system is legally recognized as a civil rights object, setting a precedent for Russia's legal treatment of digital assets. These earlier rulings demonstrate that the Supreme Court is working to incorporate cryptocurrencies into the country's judicial framework.