Crypto wallets were also being created.
Risk intelligence firm Flashpoint has seen increased activity by Russian and Ukrainian militias using social media to recruit volunteers and fund their causes via crypto donations.
According to a blog by Flashpoint the ads were appearing on the likes of Telegram and Russian social media service VK, where recruiters are seeking people including combat veterans, anti-aircraft gunners, neo-Nazi group veterans, doctors and nurses, and drivers. One group on a recruitment drive is Azon Battalion, a neo-Nazi and ultra-nationalist Ukrainian paramilitary group absorbed by the Ukrainian military in 2014.
Flashpoint observed, for the first time, pro-Russian separatists asking for crypto and providing wallet numbers to support the DPR army. While blockchain research indicates no crypto wallets have so far been used, the creation of crypto wallets by militants would allow them to quickly receive anonymous funds.
One ad read, “Here you can find information about service in the Armed Forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic. Army of the DPR. Tip for volunteers: The shortest contract term is one year. Phones for communication.”
Flashpoint analysts also identified individuals allegedly recruiting for the ‘Azov Battalion’ – a neo-Nazi and ultra-nationalist Ukrainian paramilitary group that was absorbed by the Ukrainian military in November 2014 – across various platforms, such as Telegram.
According to Flashpoint a user posted in the pro-Russian separatist Telegram channel ‘Anti-Bandera Task Force’ asking for cryptocurrency and providing wallet numbers to support the DPR army. “This was the first instance Flashpoint analysts observed pro-Russian separatists using crypto wallets to collect donations in either Flashpoint collections or the open web. Based on blockchain research, no crypto wallets have been used as of this publishing,” noted Flashpoint. “However, the creation of crypto wallets by pro-Russian militants would allow them to receive anonymous funds quickly in the event of conflict.”
