BestChange has faced multiple restrictions in the past for allegedly violating Russian federal laws
Russia has blocked access to a major cryptocurrency exchange aggregator, BestChange, according to the official registry of prohibited websites maintained by Roskomnadzor, the country’s media regulator.
BestChange is a prominent online platform that monitors exchange rates across various e-currency exchangers. Established in 2007, it facilitates over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency trading in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Roskomnadzor has not provided an official reason for the latest ban. However, when users attempt to access the website, they receive a notification stating that the site is unavailable.
The platform confirmed the restriction in a Telegram post on Sunday, stating the website was inaccessible through Russian internet service providers. The company said that its legal team is actively working to lift the restriction.
The website was previously blocked by Roskomnadzor in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In each case, legal efforts successfully overturned the restrictions. The watchdog said at the time that publicly available information about Bitcoin violated federal laws and was prohibited within Russia.
“Based on our team’s experience, if everything follows the standard scenario, unblocking may take about a week,” BestChange senior analyst Nikita Zuborev told RBK Crypto on Monday. He noted that the process is complicated by bureaucratic hurdles, as they have yet to receive information from the agency regarding the reasons for the blockage.
In August 2024, Russia enacted a law prohibiting the advertising of cryptocurrency to the general public and the promotion of goods or services facilitating digital currency transactions. The legislation also banned advertising digital currencies and services such as crypto exchanges or wallets. Violations can result in administrative penalties.
The ban also follows Russia’s recent law restricting cryptocurrency mining in some of the country’s regions until 2031 to avoid power shortages due to such activity. Russia had previously legalized virtual currency mining for legal entities and business owners but outlined rules for mining activity, including restrictions on entities or individuals who work in the power industry.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the issue of regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets, calling it a promising area and urged creating the conditions for the circulation of digital assets, both domestically and with foreign partners.
