Additional Sanctions by Japan... Asset Freeze on 17 Individuals Including 'Putin Associates'

Japan's Virtual Currency Companies Also Advised "Do Not Trade with Sanctioned Entities"

Matsuno Hirokazu, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 15th, the Japanese government announced additional sanctions against Russia, freezing the assets of 17 individuals including Russian businessmen and members of parliament. With this, the total number of people whose assets are frozen by the Japanese government has increased to 61, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated 17 individuals for sanctions, including five relatives of Yuri Kovalchuk, the largest shareholder of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and a close associate of President Putin, as well as Viktor Vekselberg, chairman of the Renova Group.

These individuals will effectively have their assets frozen, as they must obtain approval from authorities when conducting transactions with Japanese financial institutions.

Additionally, the Japanese government reportedly requested Japanese cryptocurrency operators to suspend transactions with the sanctioned individuals, according to Kyodo News.

Amid concerns that Russia might evade sanctions using cryptocurrency, Japan has taken measures similar to the blockade efforts by the United States and Europe.

At a press conference on the same day, Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated, "Japan will monitor the situation and respond together with other major G7 countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.