Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that authorizes the confiscation of money and property obtained through cybercrime. The Federal Law of 13.06.2023 No. 214-ФЗ expands the list of crimes for which property can be confiscated and amends the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
The regulation now includes the creation, use, and distribution of malicious computer programs, as well as the improper access or manipulation of critical information infrastructure, and the violation of rules governing the storage, processing, or transfer of computer information. The unlawful access to computer information will also lead to confiscation if the crime has resulted in substantial damage, was committed from a selfish interest, an organized group or a person using their official position.
According to the authors of the law, cybercrime has been rapidly increasing and affecting information technologies and telecommunications, leading to an increase in fraudulent activity in financial spheres that disproportionately affect the elderly.
“The introduction of confiscation of property and money illegally received by cybercriminals will help restore justice and direct these funds to compensate for damage to the victims,” said the author of the amendments, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Security and Combating Corruption, Vasily Piskarev.
The law comes into effect from the day of its official publication, and it is meant to help decrease the number of cybercrimes and provide financial support for cybercrime victims.