Bitcoin Behind the Kremlin Walls of Russia with Anna Chekhovich

Wednesday 06/05 | Watch the Oslo Freedom Forum Livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/LMeNe1tBsr4

In this interview from the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington DC, we sit down with Anna Chakovich, the Financial Director at the Anti-Corruption Foundation. Anna shares her journey of joining the foundation, founded by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and discusses the crucial role Bitcoin plays for Russian dissidents fighting against corruption and oppression.

Anna recounts her experiences of facing physical surveillance, attacks, and financial blockades imposed by the Putin regime. Despite these challenges, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has persevered, using Bitcoin as a financial lifeline. Since 2016, Bitcoin has provided a secure, decentralized way to receive donations and pay salaries, ensuring the foundation's operations continue even when traditional banking systems fail. Anna highlights how Bitcoin has been instrumental in supporting political prisoners, activists, and their families, offering a secure means of financial support amid increasing governmental crackdowns.

As the conflict with Ukraine escalates, Anna notes that Bitcoin adoption has surged among Russians, both within the country and in exile. The need for secure, untraceable transactions has never been greater, and Bitcoin offers a solution for those supporting anti-war efforts and navigating stringent sanctions. Despite the risks, the Anti-Corruption Foundation continues to educate its supporters on safe Bitcoin use, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security. Discover more about their mission and how you can support their fight for justice by visiting their donation page on the foundation's website.

For more on the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK)
LINK: https://acf.international/

For more on the Bitcoin Policy Institute:
LINK: https://www.btcpolicy.org/

For more on the Human Rights Foundation:
LINK: https://hrf.org/

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Anti-Corruption Foundation
02:47 Adoption of Bitcoin for Financial Resilience
06:00 Bitcoin Education and Support for Russian Dissidents
08:53 Bitcoin's Role in Supporting Ukrainian Causes and Anti-Corruption Investigations
11:49 Risks and Challenges of Supporting the Anti-Corruption Foundation

Recorded on 04/09/24 at the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington DC.