The sudden disappearance of Yevgeny Prigozhinthe owner of the Wagner Group, a private military company, sparked rumors that he held the fifth largest bitcoin wallet in the world.
This situation raises many questions about any links between Prigozhin, his company and the cryptocurrency community. In this article, we will delve into these rumors and explore the implications of such Bitcoin holding.
The plane crash: more than just a tragedy
August 23, 2023, a plane crashed in the Tver region of Russia, killing all on board, including Yevgeny Prigozhin. As the authorities continue their investigation, the web is swirling with rumors and speculation about the possible detention by Yevgeny Prigozhin from one of the largest bitcoin wallets.
The stakes are high, and not just in human terms: if the rumors turn out to be true, it could have considerable repercussions in the cryptocurrency market.
The numbers behind the rumors
Unconfirmed sources claim that Prigozhin might have detained up to 100,000 Bitcoin, which would place it among the five largest holders of this cryptocurrency. At present value, this represents assets of approximately $2.6 billion.
These figures gain in relevance when compared to other major bitcoin wallets, the third and fifth of which respectively hold 118,300 and 94,643 Bitcoins.
The geopolitical context and cryptocurrency
The tension between Russia and Ukraine, financial sanctions and the withdrawal of major financial players like Visa and Mastercard from the Russian market have created a favorable context for the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of circumvention. This could explain the interest of Prigozhin and the Wagner Group in digital assets like Bitcoin.
Legal Implications and Migration to Cryptocurrency
The classification of the Wagner Society as terrorist entity by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in July 2023 added a new dimension to the group’s financial activities.
Their operations in Russia and Belarus, where transactions in physical currency are still feasible, could be complemented through the use of cryptocurrencies in other regions, especially in Africa.
Bitcoin is notorious for its ability to facilitate relatively anonymous transactions, which could be an asset for bands like Wagner. This characteristic also makes it a currency of choice for less legitimate activities, particularly on the darknet.
Conclusion: Where is this case headed?
While the investigations into the tragedy and the rumors regarding Prigozhin’s bitcoin wallet continue, a burning question remains: thus, did the boss of the Wagner Group really own the fifth largest bitcoin wallet in the world?
Clues and speculation abound, but certainties remain elusive. To be continued…
Source : beincrypto