- Igor Runets, the founder of BitRiver, was arrested following the continuing investigation into the fraud.
- The investigators claim that the contract for buying mining equipment led to damage worth approximately $12.5 million.
- Russia also charged Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, while GRAM went down after this news.
BitRiver has returned to the center of Russia’s cryptocurrency sector after a Moscow court ordered the founder of the country’s largest cryptocurrency mining company to be transferred from house arrest to a pre-trial detention center.
The decision comes as investigators continue examining allegations tied to a cryptocurrency mining equipment transaction involving Russian energy company En+.
The ruling follows earlier legal proceedings that placed BitRiver’s parent company under bankruptcy monitoring while separate legal action involving Telegram founder Pavel Durov has also advanced.
Both developments reflect ongoing investigations by Russian authorities into unrelated matters involving the digital asset and technology sectors.
BitRiver Founder Ordered Into Pre-Trial Detention
According to local news outlet Bits Media, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow approved investigators’ request to replace Igor Runets’ house arrest with detention in a pre-trial facility. Under the court’s decision, Runets will remain in custody for at least two months while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Runets has been charged under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers fraud on an especially large scale committed by an organized group.
Investigators allege that Runets and BitRiver participated in a cryptocurrency mining equipment deal involving En+ that resulted in approximately 1 billion rubles ($12.5 million) in damages.
Key developments in the investigation
- Runets will remain in pre-trial detention for at least two months.
- Evidentiary work in connection with the En+ equipment deal continues.
- The criminal probe is ongoing with further steps being taken.
Earlier Legal and Financial Disputes With BitRiver
The most recent court ruling comes after prior legal and financial issues regarding BitRiver and its parent firm.
In late January 2026, a Russian court put Fox Group, the parent firm of BitRiver, into bankruptcy supervision due to an outstanding debt of $9.2 million related to a failed equipment delivery contract with an En+ unit.
During the same period, Runets was charged with tax evasion and placed under house arrest pending further investigation.
Bits Media reported that future developments in the case will depend on equipment examinations, witness testimony from En+, and additional investigative findings.
What investigators are reviewing
- Equipment linked to the disputed mining transaction.
- Testimony from En+ representatives and witnesses.
- Financial records connected to the equipment supply agreement.
Telegram Founder Faces Separate Investigation
In a separate case, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) formally accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of enabling terrorism and announced plans to place him on the international most wanted list while issuing an international arrest warrant.
According to Russian authorities, Telegram allegedly allowed Ukrainian intelligence services to use the platform to recruit Russian citizens, particularly young people, for cybercrime activities and attacks inside Russia. Investigators stated that Telegram bots and chat services, including a dating chatbot known as “Daivinchik” (Leo), were allegedly used during the recruitment process.
Authorities said 46 individuals aged between 12 and 22 had been arrested over the past year in connection with the alleged operations.
Following the reports, Telegram’s X account published an image of Durov displaying a middle finger. Durov has previously stated that Telegram complies with lawful requests while opposing actions that compromise user privacy or introduce censorship.GRAM, the digital currency of TON, fell by almost 3% following this announcement.
Reuters previously described the service as a “virtual battlefield” because of its role in sharing military updates, fundraising campaigns, emergency alerts, and other wartime information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Igor Runets moved to pre-trial detention?
A Moscow court approved investigators’ request to replace house arrest with pre-trial detention while the fraud investigation continues.
What allegations does BitRiver face?
Investigators allege that a cryptocurrency mining equipment transaction involving En+ caused approximately 1 billion rubles in damages.
What is the status of the Telegram investigation?
Russian authorities have accused Pavel Durov of enabling terrorism, announced plans to seek his placement on an international wanted list, and issued an international arrest warrant. The investigation remains ongoing.
