April 08, 2026

Convicted for Crypto


Convicted for Crypto
Jail cell. The Russian Life File.

On April 3, a Bryansk resident was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for "financing terrorism." Allegedly he transferred cryptocurrency to Artpodgotovka, a left-wing nationalist organization. The political entity was banned in Russia in 2017.

Former Saratov Duma legislator and blogger Vyacheslav Maltsev founded Artpodgotovka and its YouTube channel. The political activist designated November 5, 2017, as the "Day of Peaceful Revolution." Maltsev fled Russia before the day of action, but members of his organization protested across Russian cities and were arrested. In 2021, the FSB declared Artpodgotovka a "terrorist organization."

According to court documents, from September to December 2023, Vitaly Razlugo made 56 cryptocurrency transfers to Artpodgotovka. The total amount of money sent was R47,000 ($585). In his court deposition, the 42-year-old said he transferred the funds to "help migrants experiencing difficulties moving from Russia to the United States." Razlugo said he did not know that Artpodgotovka was banned in Russia.

On February 6, Razlugo's story became known after the court issued a press statement stating that he had been sent to a pre-trial detention center. The day prior, the defendant's name was added to Rosfinmonitoring's list of "terrorists and extremists."

Razlugo was found guilty of "financing terrorism." He will spend three years in prison and the remainder of his nine-year sentence in a maximum-security penal colony. He will also have to pay R300,000 ($3,734) in fines.

You Might Also Like

Groceries for International Women's Day
  • March 12, 2026

Groceries for International Women's Day

United Russia gifted groceries to elderly women, female volunteers, and widows of soldiers who died in Ukraine to celebrate International Women's Day.
Fight for an Apartment
  • February 11, 2026

Fight for an Apartment

Russian orphans have to fight in the war to access apartments they are legally entitled to.
Now Queen is LGBT Propaganda
  • February 04, 2026

Now Queen is LGBT Propaganda

A Moscow man was fined for "LGBT propaganda" after posting pictures from Queen's 1984 music video, "I Want to Break Free."
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955