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.

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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.

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A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
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Faith & Humor
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A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

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The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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Life Stories
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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

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