In a bold maneuver marking a new phase in hybrid warfare, Moscow has turned to cryptocurrency as a strategic financial tool in its operations against Moldova. This approach exploits the decentralized and often opaque nature of digital currencies to bypass traditional sanctions and international oversight. By channeling funds through crypto exchanges and mixers, Russia has been able to covertly finance destabilizing activities ranging from disinformation campaigns to the support of proxy groups within Moldovan territory. The versatility and anonymity of these transactions present significant challenges for global watchdogs attempting to track and stop illicit funding flows.

Key elements of Russia’s crypto-funded hybrid strategy include:

  • Utilizing peer-to-peer transfers to…