Russian authorities have blocked BestChange.ru, a major cryptocurrency exchange aggregator in the country, shortly after lawmaker passed crypto legislation banning cryptocurrency transactions.
The aggregator reportedly includes 400 local cryptocurrency websites and included information on exchange rates between different cryptoassets. It was blocked by Russian telecom regulator Roskomnadzor for “mentions of Bitcoin cryptocurrency,” an announcement on Russian social media giant VK details.
BestChange is notably still accessible through mirror websites that simply change the domain extension, or to those who use VPN services to hide their locations. Court records cited by BestChange show the telecoms regulator blocked other cryptocurrency-focused websites in the country.
These websites were reportedly “offering to buy electronic currency Bitcoin and certain products using this currency.” BestChange.ru, it’s worth noting, was one of the largest cryptocurrency-related websites in the country, with SimilarWeb data showing it has over 3.3 million visits last month.
