740 USDT and a terrorism charge: how cryptocurrency became the basis for a criminal case against an IT director in Russia
Law enforcement authorities have filed a final indictment against Yuri Belenky, the IT director of DiHouse. According to the criminal case materials, the top manager transferred cryptocurrency to the digital wallet of journalist Arkady Babchenko. Both individuals have been added to the Russian registry of terrorists and extremists, and Babchenko has also been designated as a foreign agent. Belenky himself categorically denies his guilt.
Investigative authorities charge Yuri Belenky with aiding terrorist activities under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The main indictment materials include at least seven transactions from the defendant's electronic address. The funds were transferred between January 2023 and March 2024. The total amount of transfers exceeded $740 USDT, equivalent to more than 62,000 rubles.
According to the prosecution, these transfers were intended to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a terrorist organization banned in Russia. In turn, the top manager's lawyers describe the process as unique. According to the defense, this is the first criminal case in the capital region regarding the financing of terrorism where virtual assets have become key evidence.
Timeline and Status of the Proceedings
The criminal case was opened on October 10, 2025, against a forty-year-old resident of Moscow, who was taken into custody last fall. The materials collected by the investigation comprise two volumes. The case includes an exclusively positive reference from the defendant's place of work.
Recently, a hearing on the appeal was held at the Moscow City Court. The defense attorney requested that the IT director be placed under house arrest, accusing the opposing side of unjustified delays. The court upheld the decision to extend his detention until July 10. Defense representatives officially confirmed the completion of the preliminary investigation. However, the lawyers flatly refused to comment on other details of the case.
Analytical Commentary from Cryptalist: This precedent demonstrates a growing trend of using cryptocurrency transactions as evidence in criminal proceedings. Even relatively small amounts in stablecoins can become grounds for serious charges. This underscores the need for all market participants to thoroughly verify counterparties and the legal consequences of any digital asset transfers.