Roskomnadzor again blocked the largest crypto monitor BestChange: what does it mean for Russian users?
Moscow, February 10, 2025 – Roskomnadzor has blocked access to BestChange.ru, the largest aggregator of cryptocurrency exchanges in Russia, for the fourth time. The decision is based on the updated legislation prohibiting the distribution of information about cryptocurrencies to an unlimited number of people. The resource is included in the register of banned sites, which is confirmed by the official data of the regulator
Reasons for blocking crypto monitor
According to the law, which came into force on August 17, 2024, advertising and offering services related to cryptocurrencies are prohibited if they use Russian infrastructure for the transfer of digital assets. BestChange.ru, as a platform that aggregates data on exchangers, fell under these norms. Representatives of the service attribute the blocking to tighter regulation, including a ban on “the movement of cryptocurrencies through Russian networks. ”
Previously, courts have repeatedly recognized information on BestChange as prohibited, calling cryptocurrencies “monetary surrogates” that contribute to the shadow economy. However, in 2025, the situation has changed: the law now explicitly prohibits the use of cryptoassets as a means of payment, which has deprived the service of legal grounds to operate .
History of conflicts with regulators
BestChange.ru is a long-standing “participant” in court battles. Since 2017, it has been blocked four times, but lawyers managed to challenge the decisions through appeals. For example, in 2020, access was restored after the decision of the Arkhangelsk court was overturned. However, unblocking is unlikely in 2025: the new law eliminates loopholes used previously .
BestChange’s reaction and alternatives
The service’s team stated that it is working on solutions to the problem, including the use of mirrors (e.g. BestChange.org), but emphasized that the regulatory environment has become “extremely unfriendly”. At the same time, experts note that the platform’s reputation has been undermined due to frequent cases of fraud and weak moderation of exchangers .
Users are already being recommended to move to alternative cryptomonitor platforms:
Exnode – an aggregator with strict moderation and transparent rates
LocalBitcoins – P2P service with a system of transaction guarantees
Consequences for the market
The blocking of BestChange is part of the trend to tighten control over the cryptosphere in Russia. From 2024, mining and its reporting will be regulated by the Tax Service, and cryptocurrency advertising is completely banned
Recommendations to users:
- Use a VPN to access blocked resources.
- Transfer assets to non-custodial wallets (MetaMask, Trust Wallet)
- Give preference to DEX platforms (Uniswap, PancakeSwap) to minimize risks
- The blocking of BestChange.ru puts an end to the era of “cryptocurrency permissiveness” in Russia. Regulators are demonstrating their readiness to apply tough measures, while users have to adapt to the new realities. The focus is on platforms that comply with legislation, such as Exnode, which may become the new standard for crypto monitoring services
