A $740 USDT transfer turned into a terrorism financing case for an IT director from Russia.
Russian law enforcement authorities have filed a final indictment against DiHouse IT director Yuri Belenky. According to the investigation, between January 2023 and March 2024, the executive made at least seven transactions from his email address. The total amount of transfers exceeded 740 USDT, equivalent to approximately 62,000 rubles.
The case is classified under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — aiding terrorist activities. The investigation insists that these funds were intended to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a terrorist organization banned in Russia. Notably, both Belenky himself and journalist Arkady Babchenko, to whose wallet the funds were transferred, are included in the register of terrorists and extremists, and Babchenko is additionally recognized as a foreign agent. The defendant categorically denies his guilt.
Unique precedent for the Moscow region
The top manager's lawyers call this case unique. According to them, this is the first criminal case in the capital region regarding the financing of terrorism where virtual assets have become the key evidence. The defense insists the charges are unfounded and is trying to challenge the preventive measure.
The criminal case was initiated on October 10, 2025, against a 40-year-old Moscow resident who was taken into custody last fall. The collected materials comprise two volumes. The case includes an exclusively positive reference from the defendant's workplace. A hearing on the defense's appeal was recently held at the Moscow City Court. Lawyers requested that the IT director be placed under house arrest, accusing the opposing side of unjustified delays. However, the court upheld the decision to extend his detention until July 10.
Expert commentary: This case is an alarming signal for all participants in the crypto market, especially in jurisdictions with ambiguous legal frameworks. Transferring even a relatively small amount of $740 can be equated to a serious crime if the transaction falls under a politically motivated investigation. I recommend prioritizing compliance and verification of counterparties on the blockchain, especially when dealing with addresses linked to public figures.