One of the largest cryptocurrency wallets in the world could be owned by the leader of the Wagner PMC

Against the backdrop of the plane crash, rumors began to spread online that the recently murdered Russian terrorist and murderer, the leader of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was the owner of one of the largest crypto wallets. According to some reports, the dead occupier controlled about 100,000 BTC (approximately $ 2.6 billion).

There is no irrefutable evidence that Prigozhin actually conducted operations with cryptocurrency and was the owner of a wallet with a large amount of bitcoin. At the same time, much points to the possible interest of the Wagner PMC leader in digital assets.

As a reminder, Russia became the first country in the world to impose sanctions on the occupying power. Restrictions have spread to the financial market. Thus, Visa and MasterCard refused to provide their services to the murderers — Russians can no longer make cross-border transfers. However, many citizens of the aggressor country saw cryptocurrencies as an effective tool for circumventing sanctions.

In July 2023, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly recognized the Wagner PMC as a terrorist organization. Even before the new status was granted, the legality of the group of Russian assassins raised many questions that could have complicated its members' operations in the financial market. It is known that Wagner’s mercenaries are paid in cash.

It is worth noting that the international community is aware of the presence of Wagner’s men in Africa. It can be assumed that cryptocurrency helped the PMC transfer money over such distances. It is also worth noting that bitcoin is a popular method of payment on the black market.

In June, against the backdrop of the so-called Wagner rebellion, Russians were buying up stablecoins en masse.