Been brewing for awhile...
Bitstamp Bans Access from Russia "Temporarily""Russian users of popular Bitcoin exchange Bitstamp are struggling to gain access to their trading accounts, due to the companys decision to temporarily [Hahahahaha -ed] block access from all Russian IP addresses. According to the database of FSSCIM, as of January 18, 2016, Bitstamp is granted full access and there are no pending attempts to restrict access to the site." To ensure compliance with the new regulatory regime, protect affiliate service providers, and most importantly protect our valued customers in Russia Bitstamp has decided to temporarily block access to its website from Russian IP addresses until we can assess the situation with more clarity.
It begun!Russian Bear Fed Up With Bitcoin BullshitRussia's Ministry of Finance has developed a new version of its proposed law that would seek to both outlaw and apply criminal penalties for activities involving digital currencies, according to a report by Russian news source Interfax.
Citing sources from within the Russian government, Interfax reports that acquiring, selling and distributing cryptocurrencies would be punishable with fines of 300,000 rubles ($4,574) or through up to 360 hours of correctional labor under the new bill.
Should such infractions be committed by an agency or group, the fines for such activities would increase to 500,000 rubles ($7,623).