Project
No-KYC cryptocurrency payment processor, also operating as Heleket and formerly Certa Payments, run by Xeltox Enterprises; UK-sanctioned.
In December 2024, KrebsOnSecurity reported analyst Richard Sanders's finding that all 122 cybercrime services he tested took payments through Cryptomus. The processor listed a Vancouver address, where a CTV and IJF count found at least 90 registrations.
Reality
Britain sanctioned Cryptomus, also operating as Heleket, on October 8, freezing its assets at UK banks and barring British firms from dealing with it. Canada's CAD $176 million fine did not stop the platform; analyst Richard Sanders says sanctions do.
Reality
Britain's Oct. 8 notice lists Cryptomus, Heleket and Certa Payments as variations of one sanctions target, Xeltox Enterprises Ltd., ID RUS3755. A merchant that changes brands keeps the same counterparty, and a customer's withdrawal still needs a legal basis.
Reality
Britain sanctioned three crypto exchanges and two payment platforms on Oct. 8, two of them suspected of handling transactions for Russia's A7 network. Washington blocked A7 a week earlier and Brussels barred dealings with 14 crypto platforms in July, so firms near these rails now answer to three overlapping regimes.
Perspective Coverage
7 publishersReality
Britain sanctioned three crypto exchanges, two payment platforms and one individual in a 38-designation Russia package. Naming a Vancouver parent and a Kyrgyz state-owned firm, and ordering app stores to block UK users, pushes compliance work out to counterparties.
Reality