- Russian authorities seized 1,032 Bitcoin from ex-investigator Marat Tambiev for bribery.
- He received a 16-year prison sentence and a fine of 500 million rubles.
Russian authorities have started liquidating 1,032 Bitcoin worth around one billion rubles. The cryptocurrency was confiscated from Marat Tambiev, a former investigator convicted in a major bribery case. Tambiev took Bitcoin bribes from the Infraud Organization, a prominent hacking group.
Tambiev, a former chief investigator in Moscow’s Tver District, accepted Bitcoin to shield the hackers’ assets. Authorities uncovered the stash on his devices during a search of his Moscow apartment. In October 2024, the Nikulinsky Court sentenced Tambiev to 16 years in a maximum-security penal colony. He was also fined 500 million rubles and banned from government roles for 12 years.
Complex Asset Liquidation
Russian bailiffs are converting the confiscated Bitcoin into fiat currency. Tambiev divided the Bitcoin across smaller wallets, requiring multiple court rulings for access. This situation underscores the difficulties in managing decentralized digital assets. Legal actions have also targeted Tambiev’s other properties, including real estate and a motorcycle.
The case highlights the growing use of cryptocurrency in bribery and corruption. Digital assets provide anonymity, making them attractive for illegal activities. Tambiev’s actions demonstrate how law enforcement officials can misuse their positions for crypto-related crimes.
Russia’s decision to liquidate Bitcoin reflects its changing approach to cryptocurrencies. Historically cautious, the Kremlin has recently explored digital currencies as alternatives due to sanctions. However, this shift raises regulatory concerns about balancing adoption with cracking down on illicit use.
In addition to the seized Bitcoin, prosecutors suspect Tambiev’s family holds undisclosed assets. Authorities are pursuing lawsuits to recover more of his wealth. Tambiev’s former subordinate, Kristina Lyakhovenko, was sentenced to nine years for her role. Another defendant, Dmitry Gubin, remains at large.
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