EU Bans Belarusians from Crypto Service Providers Under New Sanctions

The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Belarus to include all crypto service providers. The new measure prohibits Belarusian nationals and residents from owning, controlling or managing any entity providing crypto-asset services regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

This decision comes as part of an amendment to the EU's sanctions framework targeting Belarus over its involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. The restriction now applies not only to companies offering wallet, account or custody services but also to any other crypto service providers, including trading platforms and exchange services.

The expanded provision will take effect on August 25, following the entry into force of the decision on July 24. This move follows a broader EU push to target crypto platforms and financial networks accused of helping Russia evade sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine.