US Sanctions Russians for Crypto Deals Tied to North Korea

The US Treasury has blacklisted two Russian nationals and a Vladivostok firm for facilitating cryptocurrency flows that benefit North Korea’s weapons programs.

Ilya Boykov is accused of handling roughly $3.5 million in crypto swaps since 2024 for a Pyongyang-linked company called Alis. Vitold Obertas reportedly moved almost $2 million in similar transactions starting January 2025.

Also targeted is the First Financial and Technical Development Center in Vladivostok, which employed at least six North Korean IT workers. They earned over $750,000 from 2025 onward and sent the funds home.

Washington says the money ultimately supports North Korea’s missile and weapons development efforts.

Based on information from cryptonews.net