Fake Rubles Funding War and Corruption in Occupied Territories in Crimea

The Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are increasingly using counterfeit rubles to sustain their rule, fund their military presence, and ensure the loyalty of local collaborators. This growing financial crime has been exacerbated by international sanctions and the absence of major Russian banks on the peninsula, leading to widespread economic instability.

While Russian propaganda claims that the circulation of counterfeit rubles in Crimea is declining, independent sources paint a different picture. Reports from the Center of National Resistance reveal that fake currency has become a crucial element of the shadow economy operated by occupation authorities. Instead of curbing financial fraud, these authorities are fostering a system where counterfeit rubles are used for illicit transactions.

The widespread use of counterfeit money serves several key purposes:

Purpose	Description
Military Payments	Soldiers engaged in the occupation are often paid with counterfeit rubles.
Bribing Collaborators	Local individuals cooperating with the occupiers receive fake currency to maintain their loyalty.
Funding Illegal Businesses	Criminal networks tied to the occupation regime use counterfeit money to sustain illicit enterprises.

The financial turmoil in Crimea has worsened due to international sanctions, which have effectively cut the region off from global markets. Most major Russian banks avoid operating in Crimea due to potential repercussions, leading to a severe cash shortage. The result is an economic crisis that is pushing many Crimean residents further into hardship.

Several factors contribute to this deteriorating economic situation:

Factor	Impact
Mass Unemployment	Many Crimeans have lost jobs due to economic isolation.
Business Closures	Legal enterprises have been forced to shut down, leaving only criminal enterprises to thrive.
Criminal Financial Control	Organized crime now dictates financial flows in the region, increasing corruption.

Instead of addressing these issues, the occupation administration continues to facilitate the spread of counterfeit currency, enabling an underground economy that benefits corrupt officials and criminal organizations.