Belarus imposes tough money restrictions, mirrors Russian methods
Russia-style money controls spread to Belarus (photo: Getty Images)
Belarus introduces a system of total financial control, including limits on bank cards and account blocking. Under the pretext of fighting fraud, the regime is effectively introducing a presumption of guilt for all bank account holders, reports the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Details of financial restrictions
According to the Center, the Belarus National Bank is preparing strict limits on the number of payment cards. Now, any transfer or payment for services could result in immediate account blocking.
Clients will need to independently prove the legality of each transaction to regain access to their funds.
Experts note that these measures fully copy Russia's repressive practices, turning ordinary banking operations into a complex administrative procedure.
Digital isolation, surveillance
The new financial restrictions are part of a broader policy of digital isolation in the country.
Previously, the regime had already begun forcibly reducing internet speeds and introducing data traffic limits.
The introduction of total financial surveillance, combined with preparations for a "sovereign internet," indicates a full synchronization of Belarusian coercive mechanisms with Kremlin standards.
Repression in Russia
Based on media reports, Russia is massively cutting off internet access following the example of China and Iran. The Kremlin describes these measures as a response to Western threats, but in reality, the country is building a "digital GULAG" in which communication and internet access disappear even in Moscow.
Earlier, reports emerged that in Russia, security services have been granted unlimited power and that banking secrecy has been fully abolished. The Federal Security Service (FSB) now has direct access to all citizens' accounts, financial transactions, and private messages, effectively completing the formation of a police state.
In addition, Russia's mechanisms have begun working against its own propaganda. Due to excessive censorship and mass blocking, viewership of pro-government Z channels has nearly halved, indicating systemic failures in the Kremlin's digital policy.
