Russia's Central Bank has issued a stark warning: the vast majority of financial pyramid schemes in the country are now targeting crypto investors. According to data released by the bank, 86% of these schemes specifically demand contributions in $BTC cryptocurrency.
The findings $BTC highlight a troubling rise in fraudulent schemes masquerading as legitimate investment platforms. In Q1 2025 alone, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR) identified 2,780 entities involved in illegal financial activities—a 56% year-over-year increase. Over 1,600 of these were confirmed to be classic financial pyramids, while others posed as licensed securities brokers or lending services.
Digital Assets a Top Target
The schemes typically present themselves as high-return investment opportunities,$BTC leveraging digital assets, real estate (especially in destinations like Bali), precious metals, and even unconventional ideas like power bank rentals. Nearly all operate online, often with no physical presence, and attract users through social media, blogs, and Telegram channels.
The CBR noted that many projects mimic the stability of traditional bank products, offering fixed returns to lure in unsuspecting investors. The use of crypto not only makes the schemes seem more innovative but also helps fraudsters bypass traditional financial oversight.
Crackdown Intensifies
Russian authorities have ramped up enforcement. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than 5,200 fraudulent websites were shut down, and over 120 administrative cases were launched. The CBR is also working to restrict advertising for such schemes and exploring a state-#MarketPullback
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n#FOMCMeeting trolled crypto exchange under an “experimental” legal framework.
The Bank of Russia has historically opposed broad cryptocurrency adoption and continues to take steps to limit its exposure in the domestic economy. In April, the government’s internet regulator blocked access to BestChange.ru, a key platform for crypto price data in Russia.
As crypto adoption continues to grow, investors are urged to stay vigilant and rely only on licensed, reputable platforms for digital asset transactions.