# U.K. Sanctions Cryptomus for RU Money Laundering

> U.K. sanctions Cryptomus after it processed $7bn in ransomware and cybercrime payments for Russia.
- Title: U.K. Sanctions Cryptomus for RU Money Laundering | Shortify
- Summary: U.K. sanctions Cryptomus after it processed $7bn in ransomware and cybercrime payments for Russia. The U.K. has sanctioned Cryptomus for processing payments…
- Keywords: cryptomus, uk sanctions, russian government, money laundering, ransomware, cybercrime, cryptocurrency, heleket, certa payments, western sahara, central reserve authority, technology
- Source: Krebsonsecurity — https://krebsonsecurity.com/2026/10/u-k-sanctions-cryptomus-for-ru-money-laundering
- Published: 2026-10-15T08:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cryptomus, uk sanctions, russian government, money laundering, ransomware, cybercrime, cryptocurrency, heleket, certa payments, western sahara, central reserve authority, technology
## U.K. Sanctions Cryptomus
The U.K. issued economic sanctions against Cryptomus for processing payments that benefit the Russian government and its financial institutions.
## Cryptomus Background
Cryptomus, previously known as Certa Payments and Xeltox Enterprises, has changed its name several times since emerging in 2022.
## Heleket Launch
In April 2026, Cryptomus launched Heleket after Canada levied a CAD $176 million fine for anti-money laundering violations.
## Illicit Transactions
Cryptomus processed more than $7 billion in transactions since 2022, including payments for child sexual abuse material vendors and terrorist financing.
## Chainalysis Report
Chainalysis reported that Cryptomus and Heleket received more illicit funds than mixers and had over 900 illicit counterparties in late 2025.
## Sanctions Impact
The U.K. sanctions freeze Cryptomus assets at U.K. banks and bar British companies from offering it any business, virtual or otherwise.
## Western Sahara Connection
Cryptomus’s parent company is linked to the Western Sahara Central Reserve Authority, which oversees cryptocurrency licenses in a disputed region.
## Key takeaway

The U.K. has sanctioned Cryptomus for processing payments benefiting Russia's government and financial institutions, freezing its assets and banning British companies from using it.