The Russian intelligence service, known as the FSB, has arrested and charged Alexander Vechirko with high treason for allegedly donating cryptocurrency to Ukraine’s military. Vechirko, 54 years old and a resident of the Khabarovsk Territory in Russia, was arrested in June after a months-long investigation. President Vladimir Putin had recently signed a decree establishing life imprisonment as the penalty for treason-related offenses.
The First Russian Charged with Crypto Donations to Ukraine
Alexander Vechirko is the first Russian citizen to face formal charges for sending crypto donations to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since the conflict started, the Ukrainian military has been seeking token donations from international crypto holders. The FSB accuses Vechirko of using cryptocurrency to transfer personal funds through third parties residing in Ukraine.
The FSB alleges that the crypto donations were used to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles, thermal imaging sights, ammunition, and medical uniforms. The exact details of the donation remain unknown as the FSB continues its investigation.
Moscow Intends to Make an Example
The fact that Vechirko has been transferred to Moscow to face charges suggests that the Russian government intends to make an example out of him. It is possible that more individuals could face similar crypto-related treason charges in the future.
Another case involving crypto donations to Ukraine recently made headlines when popular social media influencer Bitmama, whose real name is Valeria Fedyakina, was arrested on fraud charges in Moscow. Despite the accusations, Fedyakina’s legal team denies that she sent money to the Ukrainian military and claims that she supports Russia’s military operations and wants to donate funds to the Russian armed forces.
Earlier this year, Sberbank, a major Russian bank, reported that over $5 million worth of cryptocurrency had been sent from Russian wallets to recipients in Ukraine since the conflict began.
