British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a cabinet meeting, in London, Britain, May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
LONDON, May 26 (Reuters) - Britain ?on Tuesday targeted Russian-linked cryptocurrency ?platforms, banks and financial networks it said were used to bypass sanctions, freezing their ?assets and barring UK firms ?from processing payments or maintaining correspondent ?banking ties.
The measures focus on ?what London described as "shadow financial systems" underpinning ?Russia’s war economy, including the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which it said has been used ?to route funds, finance procurement and ?exploit foreign banking systems to evade restrictions.
The package ?also ?targets crypto exchanges and entities operating Russia-focused platforms, alongside individuals tied to the network.
Britain said it was "tracking down ?and shutting ?off" ?payment routes fuelling Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"We will continue ?to act fast and decisively, ?alongside ?our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those ?enabling ?Russia’s aggression face consequences," ?foreign minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement.
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