LONDON: Britain on Tuesday targeted Russian-linked cryptocurrency platforms, banks and financial networks it said were used to bypass sanctions, freezing their assets and barring UK firms from processing payments or maintaining correspondent banking ties. The measures focus on what London described as “shadow financial systems” underpinning Russia’s war economy, including the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which it said has been used to route funds, finance procurement and exploit foreign banking systems to evade restrictions.

The department said the A7 gang was using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments

Britain has taken action against Russian-linked cryptocurrency platforms and banks. These entities are accused of helping Russia bypass sanctions. Assets have been frozen. UK…