North Korea vs Russia
Crypto regulation comparison
North Korea
Russia
Banned
Partially Regulated
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Russia's crypto regulation is complex and evolving. The 2021 'On Digital Financial Assets' law recognizes crypto as property but bans its use as a means of payment. Mining was legalized and regulated in 2024 under a new mining law. Crypto is taxed as income at 13-15%. The CBR pushed for a total ban on crypto trading but was overruled by the government, which favors regulation. International sanctions have complicated Russia's crypto landscape.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
13-15%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
No
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Regulator
CBR (Central Bank of Russia), Ministry of Finance
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
Crypto payments banned; digital ruble CBDC introduced
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians
Key Points
- Digital Financial Assets law (2021) recognizes crypto as property but bans use as payment
- Crypto mining officially legalized and regulated under 2024 mining legislation
- Crypto income taxed at 13% (up to RUB 5M) or 15% (above RUB 5M)
- Domestic crypto exchanges not legally operating; P2P trading widespread. CBR framework Dec 2025 targeting July 2026.
- International sanctions have increased interest in crypto for cross-border transfers