BitRiver CEO Arrested for Tax Evasion in Russia

Crypto News Regulation

BitRiver CEO Igor Runets Arrested in Russia Over Tax Evasion Allegations

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: February 02, 2026

Key Takeaways

BitRiver CEO Igor Runets was detained in Russia on January 30 for alleged tax evasion and faces three related charges;
A Moscow court placed Runets under house arrest on January 31; his team has until February 4 to appeal the decision;
BitRiver, a major crypto-mining firm, faces lawsuits and financial strain despite Runets’ $230 million fortune reported in 2024.

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BitRiver CEO Igor Runets Arrested in Russia Over Tax Evasion Allegations

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Igor Runets, head of BitRiver, has been taken into custody in Russia on suspicion of tax violations.

Local news outlets, including Kommersant and RBK, stated that Runets was arrested on January 30 and now faces three charges related to hiding company assets to avoid paying taxes.

Court papers cited by the Zamoskvoretsky Court of Moscow show that the formal charges were filed on January 31, followed by an order placing him under house arrest the same day.

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Runets’ legal team has a brief period to contest this order before it becomes final on February 4. If the appeal fails or is not submitted, he will remain confined to his home for the duration of the investigation.

BitRiver, founded in 2017, runs several large data centers in Siberia dedicated to cryptocurrency mining. In addition to operating its own facilities, the company provides mining services to external clients.

Reports from late 2024 suggested that Runets’ personal fortune had reached around $230 million through his involvement in the crypto-mining business, according to Bloomberg. Around the same period, BitRiver began cutting costs and scaling back operations, which led to delayed salary payments for employees.

In 2025, BitRiver became the target of two lawsuits from Infrastructure of Siberia, a regional electricity supplier. The company alleged that it had paid BitRiver for mining equipment that was never delivered.

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