Fines up to a million: how Russia will punish illegal crypto advertising
The Russian digital asset market is entering a new phase of regulation, and now supervisory authorities have a clear and, more importantly, painful tool to influence unscrupulous advertisers. We are talking about fines that can reach 1 million rubles for legal entities. I have analyzed the mechanics of the new rules so you understand exactly where the "red lines" lie.
Who is punished and for what
A key feature of the new system is the division of supervisory powers. The basic liability for violating advertising legislation, provided for in Part 1 of Article 14.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, will cost a company between 100 and 500 thousand rubles. However, if we are talking about spam mailings without the recipient's consent, a separate, stricter provision comes into force, providing for a fine of up to 1 million rubles.
At the same time, control over compliance with internet advertising labeling requirements (erid) and data transfer to the Unified Register of Internet Advertising is assigned to Roskomnadzor. For violators in this area, fines also reach 500 thousand rubles. And if the violator turns out to be a regulated exchanger or a digital financial asset operator, supervision by the Bank of Russia is added to this. In fact, a company can receive a "triple blow" from different agencies for the same offense.
Detection mechanics: from complaint to ruling
The process is initiated either by a complaint from a user or competitor, or as a result of an independent inspection by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). Notably, for a complaint about internet advertising, the antimonopoly service recommends recording a full screenshot of the page, the website address, and the date. The FAS then evaluates the materials and initiates a case on violation of advertising legislation. The commission issues a decision, and if the advertising is deemed improper, an order is issued to cease or modify it.
An important nuance: to bring a company to administrative responsibility, the FAS does not need to go to court. The decision, order, and fine ruling are issued by the agency itself. The company will be able to appeal them after the fact, but by that time, the reputational and financial costs will be significant.
A new regulatory philosophy
From September 1, the very essence of the approach changes. In 2024, the state banned advertising of the effectively unregulated market. Now, in 2026, institutionalization has begun: legal exchange and accounting operators have emerged, along with the right to advertise their activities. The simple formula: cryptocurrency cannot be advertised, but crypto infrastructure and regulated services can.
This is one of the most practical changes. The market finally gets the opportunity to legally tell a client "we provide exchange services" or "we carry out digital accounting." However, the transition period adds uncertainty: the new rules are already in effect, but the Central Bank register granting the right to use them in full is still being formed. Until July 1, 2027, many existing exchangers remain outside the new advertising regime.
My conclusion: in the coming months, market participants will have to balance between the old operating model and new requirements. Caution in wording and completeness of mandatory disclosures will become the main defense against regulator claims. Those who fail to adapt risk becoming the first "guinea pigs" in the new enforcement practice.