Japan has added the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to the list of sanctions against Russia

According to Cointelegraph, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry jointly issued a statement on Friday, officially adding the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to the asset freeze list. This measure will severely restrict payment and capital transaction activities related to Garantex.

The statement pointed out that this expansion of sanctions is due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Garantex has previously been blacklisted by multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union, for allegedly assisting Russian entities in evading financial restrictions.

In addition to the cryptocurrency platform, Japan has also added 33 related organizations and 9 individuals to the sanctions list in this action, and imposed bans on repair and insurance services for 35 vessels suspected of transporting Russian crude oil as part of a "shadow fleet."