According to a joint investigation by Reuters and blockchain analysis companies Global Ledger and Recoveris, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) and military intelligence agency (GRU) are continuously using Bitcoin to pay teenagers and untrained spies. Recoveris states that the FSB and GRU have repeatedly funded young people in Poland through cryptocurrency to carry out tasks such as surveillance, graffiti, and arson, with some funds used to hire mercenaries in the Donbas region and to bribe European politicians. Given the ongoing sanctions, such crypto payments are expected to continue, and the transparency allows the Russian side to monitor the use of funds. (Decrypt)