Japan freezes Garantex crypto exchange in new sanctions

4.5 Regulation

Oct 4, 2026

Japan sanctioned Russian crypto exchange Garantex, freezing its assets and restricting transactions, as part of broader measures targeting Russian-linked entities and vessels.

Japan has added Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to its asset-freeze list as part of a new sanctions package announced on October 2, 2026. The measures target 33 entities and nine individuals, requiring government approval for payments and capital transactions involving these parties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Garantex, previously sanctioned by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, now faces Japanese restrictions that extend to its operations in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The sanctions package also imposes service and financing restrictions on 35 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and introduces export controls on companies in Turkey and the UAE. The Japanese government stated these actions were taken in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and in coordination with other major economies. Most of Garantex’s business has reportedly shifted to a successor platform and a ruble-backed token following earlier enforcement actions.