The Bank of Russia has announced a method for combating anonymous crypto scammers

The Bank of Russia has announced plans to combat anonymous crypto fraudsters who actively use bank cards to conduct illegal transactions. Starting in 2026, all credit institutions will be required to link clients' individual tax identification numbers (ITINs) to their bank accounts, both new and existing.

Antidrop Platform

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Olga Polyakova explained that linking TINs is necessary for the new Antidrop platform, scheduled to launch in 2027. This platform will use TINs to identify so-called "droppers"—individuals whose bank cards are used by fraudsters to transfer money.

How Dropper Schemes Work

Frequently, stolen funds from victims are first transferred to the dropper's card, which is then used to purchase cryptocurrency or, conversely, to convert digital assets into fiat currency. The Antidrop platform will automatically identify whose card is being used at any given time, significantly simplifying the client verification process.

Expectations for Commercial Banks

The Central Bank expects commercial banks to be able to independently collect missing client data through Federal Tax Service tools, without requiring account holders to take any additional action. This should simplify the identification process and improve the security of financial transactions.

Changes in Access to Digital Assets

Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Vladimir Chistyukhin stated that the regulator is considering abandoning the concept of super-qualified investors. This could open up digital asset trading to a wider audience, which will also impact the market and its regulation.

In Conclusion

The Bank of Russia's initiatives to link taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) to bank accounts and launch the Antidrop platform are aimed at combating crypto fraud and protecting citizens' financial interests. These measures could significantly improve security in the cryptocurrency sector and enhance oversight of financial transactions.