On May 26, 2026, the UK government designated 18 entities and individuals under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, targeting what it calls the 'A7 network' of crypto and banking infrastructure that fuels Russia's war economy. The list includes Huobi Global, Exmo Exchange, Bitpapa, Rapira, and Aifory Pro. TRM data reveals Huobi alone has sent over USD 4.9 billion to UK-sanctioned and A7-network entities since 2021, with USD 1.13 billion flowing in the 14 months after Garantex's March 2025 takedown. Flows to successor exchanges like Rapira and Aifory Pro grew 10x post-takedown, from USD 111 million to USD 1.13 billion, with the A7 network absorbing USD 838 million (a 193x jump). Bitpapa is now under its third national sanctions regime (OFAC March 2024, Ukraine July 2025, UK May 2026), indicating limits of unilateral enforcement and the need for multilateral coordination. Compliance teams should monitor transactions to successor exchanges and service providers, not just sanctioned entity names.

Key facts

• UK sanctions 18 entities including Huobi, Exmo, Bitpapa, and Rapira under Russia sanctions.
• Huobi sent over USD 4.9 billion to sanctioned entities since 2021, data shows.
• Post-Garantex takedown, flows to successor exchanges grew 10x to USD 1.13 billion.
• Bitpapa now under three sanctions regimes: US, UK, and Ukraine.
• A7 network alone absorbed USD 838 million after Garantex collapse, a 193x increase.