Terrill Dicki
Oct 22, 2025 14:08
Russian lawmakers propose recognizing cryptocurrency as marital property in divorce settlements as the country sees a surge in crypto transactions.
Russian lawmakers have introduced a proposal to include cryptocurrency as part of marital property in divorce settlements. This move comes as the country experiences a significant increase in cryptocurrency transactions, totaling $376.3 billion from July 2024 to June 2025, according to CryptoNews.
Legislative Proposal Details
The draft federal law, submitted by Igor Antropenko, a member of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade, seeks to amend Russia’s Family Code. It proposes that digital currencies acquired during marriage be considered joint property, while those obtained prior or through gratuitous means remain individual property. The proposal is currently under review by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Central Bank Chairwoman Elvira Nabiullina.
The legislation aims to address the risks posed by the unclear legal status of digital assets, which can infringe on property rights during divorce proceedings. The explanatory note highlights the necessity for regulation to protect spouses’ rights, aligning with Article 19 of the Russian Constitution.
Global Context: South Korea’s Precedent
Russia’s proposal follows South Korea’s lead, which has recognized cryptocurrency as marital property since October 2024. In South Korea, both tangible and intangible assets, including cryptocurrencies, are subject to division under Article 839-2 of the Korean Civil Act. This legal framework allows spouses to request asset division and fact-finding investigations if undisclosed crypto assets are suspected, leveraging blockchain’s transparency for asset tracking.
Russia’s Crypto Surge and Regulatory Environment
The proposal coincides with a broader surge in crypto adoption in Russia, driven by institutional interest, DeFi expansion, and increased stablecoin use for cross-border transactions. Large-scale crypto transfers above $10 million grew by 86% during the period, far outpacing the rest of Europe. Despite Western sanctions, the ruble-pegged stablecoin A7A5 has become the largest non-U.S. dollar stablecoin by market capitalization, reaching $500 million.
Meanwhile, Russia faces challenges from illegal crypto mining activities, which are estimated to cost millions annually in lost electricity and tax revenue. Approximately 140,000 Bitcoin and altcoin mining operations remain largely unregulated, with many avoiding commercial electricity rates to maximize profits. Recent arrests have highlighted the extent of these operations, including cases of bribery and electricity theft.
As Russia continues to navigate its regulatory landscape, the proposed legislation reflects an effort to integrate digital assets into legal frameworks, ensuring that the country keeps pace with the evolving global crypto environment.
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