EU Sanctions “Aussie Cossack” and Moldovan Company for Undermining Democracy and Security
Brussels, July 15, 2025 – The European Union today announced sanctions against Simeon Boikov, an Australian national known as “Aussie Cossack,” and A7 OOO, a Moldovan company, for their roles in supporting Russian policies that undermine democracy, the rule of law, and security within the EU and beyond. The sanctions represent a significant step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to combat hybrid threats emanating from Russia, particularly disinformation campaigns, election interference, and the misuse of digital assets.
Boikov, a vocal pro-Kremlin activist, has been identified as a key disseminator of disinformation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and even the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. The EU accuses him of spreading pro-Russian narratives and contributing to a climate of distrust in democratic institutions. Notably, he is alleged to have financed the creation and distribution of a fabricated video, “Storm-1516,” which falsely claimed voter fraud in Georgia during the 2024 U.S. elections, further demonstrating the transatlantic reach of his disruptive activities. This highlights the increasing sophistication and global reach of disinformation campaigns, underscoring the need for international cooperation to combat these threats.
Boikov’s activities are reportedly funded through a network of online channels, accepting both traditional currency and cryptocurrency. Investigations reveal his engagement with high-risk, no-KYC Russian cryptocurrency exchanges, cash-to-crypto services, and even darknet markets, often utilizing intermediary addresses to obfuscate the origin and destination of funds. This complex financial network demonstrates the lengths to which individuals and groups are willing to go to evade detection and continue funding destabilizing activities. The EU’s sanctions aim to disrupt these financial flows and limit Boikov’s ability to further his disinformation campaigns.
A7 OOO, a Moldovan company reportedly established by pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor, is also targeted by the EU sanctions. The company is accused of undermining the democratic processes in Moldova, specifically the 2024 Presidential elections and the Constitutional referendum on EU accession. A7 is alleged to have facilitated the transfer of funds to voters in exchange for supporting specific candidates and opposing the referendum, representing a blatant attempt to manipulate the electoral outcome and undermine Moldova’s sovereignty. Shor, who currently resides in Russia and has expressed opposition to Moldovan independence from Moscow, is already under sanctions and is linked to the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal that resulted in the loss of $1 billion in bank assets.
The EU’s designation of A7 OOO also highlights the exploitation of digital assets for illicit purposes. The company is linked to the ruble-backed stablecoin A7A5, which has been previously flagged by blockchain analytics firms for its use by sanctioned Russian entities, including the now-defunct high-risk exchange Garantex. Evidence suggests that A7A5 and a Kyrgyz exchange, Grinex, were employed to circumvent sanctions and potentially facilitate terrorist financing, underscoring the growing concern over the misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities. Furthermore, the connections between A7A5, Grinex, and a network of Kyrgyzstan-registered entities point to a broader trend of using shell companies and opaque financial structures to mask illicit flows.
The sanctions imposed on Boikov and A7 OOO demonstrate the EU’s commitment to countering the multi-faceted threat posed by Russia. The EU’s actions underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing disinformation campaigns, election interference, and the illicit use of digital assets. By targeting both individuals and the financial infrastructure supporting these activities, the EU aims to disrupt the entire lifecycle of these operations, from the initial funding stages to the dissemination of false narratives. These sanctions signal a strategic shift towards a more proactive and comprehensive approach to safeguarding democratic processes and maintaining security within the EU and its neighboring countries. As other jurisdictions consider similar measures, enhanced monitoring of cross-border financial flows and the digital ecosystem will be crucial to effectively combat these emerging threats. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced international collaboration and information sharing to identify and disrupt these sophisticated networks before they can undermine democratic institutions and global stability.
