Russia to Recognize Bitcoin as Property With Legal Protection
The Russian prime minister has outlined the government’s plans to amend existing laws to recognize cryptocurrency as property. This means bitcoin owners will have the legal rights to defend and recoup their cryptocurrencies in court.
Russia to Recognize Bitcoin as Property
During the government meeting on Thursday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin talked about Russia’s plans for cryptocurrency regulation alongside other initiatives to fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
After outlining several solutions the Russian government has come up with, Mishustin said, “Another solution concerns cryptocurrencies.” He added that “This is a relatively new tool, interest in which is constantly growing.”
The Russian prime minister continued: “The government plans to direct the development of this market in a civilized direction so that the owners of such assets can protect their rights and interests, and the creation of shadow schemes would be difficult.” In order to achieve this, Mishustin said, “Let’s make a number of changes to the tax code,” elaborating:
Digital financial assets will be recognized as property, and their owners will be able to count on legal protection in the event of any illegal actions, as well as defend their property rights in court.
Although there have been discussions among lawmakers to treat bitcoin as taxable property, it is not yet official. Different courts have, therefore, made their own decisions whether to recognize the cryptocurrency as property. In July, a Russian court
denied
a crypto owner the return of his cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin. The court judged that since bitcoin was not considered property under Russian law, its theft was not a crime. In December last year, thesupreme court ruled
that tokens were assets like money and property.
Russia will
begin regulating
cryptocurrency next year; President Vladimir Putin signed the crypto bill into law in August. However, Russian lawmakers are still trying to add to the bill.In November, the Ministry of Finance developed new
amendments
to the crypto regulation, introducing new rules and penalties for unreported and underreported cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, the Bank of Russia is seeking public comments on the central bank digital currency (CBDC), thedigital ruble
.What do you think about Russia recognizing bitcoin as property? Let us know in the comments section below.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies.
Bitcoin.com
does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.Mastermind of Bitcoin Mining Ponzi Scheme Extradited to the US: $20 Million in Victims' Funds Laundered
The US government says it has extradited Gutemberg Dos Santos, the co-founder of the Airbit Club Ponzi scheme from Panama and he now awaits his trial in a Manhattan court. Dos Santos is facing charges relating to his role in ...
read more.
