US Hits A7 Network with Sanctions, Targets $17 Billion in Illicit Transactions

The US Treasury Department has taken action against the A7 Network, a Russia-linked crypto payment network that has been used to facilitate illicit transactions. The network, which has processed over $17 billion in transactions between January 2025 and June 2026, uses the ruble-backed A7A5 token as a bridge into more liquid crypto markets.

A7 relies on sub-agents and intermediaries to provide liquidity and move funds while masking its involvement. The network frequently converts its A7A5 token into USDT, which can then be exchanged for fiat currency. This has put exchanges, over-the-counter brokers, and other liquidity providers outside of Russia under greater scrutiny.

The Treasury Department has designated A7 as a significant transnational criminal organization, extending blocking sanctions beyond individual companies previously targeted by Washington to the broader payment network. FinCEN has proposed barring covered financial institutions from transmitting funds involving identified A7 sub-agents.