Japan Adds Crypto Sanctions Evasion Groups to Asset-Freeze List

Japan added 33 Russia-related military groups and nine individuals to its asset-freeze list, including groups involved in using crypto assets to evade financial sanctions.

The additional measures also cover 35 vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to secretly transport Russian crude oil to evade Western sanctions. Japan will in principle prohibit providing those vessels with services including operations, repairs, insurance and financing.

The government decided on the additional sanctions at a Cabinet meeting on Oct. 6.