Bitget Targets Russian and Belarusian Accounts for Closure

The exchange confirmed the move on X, characterizing the initiative as a one-off exercise rather than a platform-wide withdrawal from these markets. While Bitget maintains that the majority of users remain unaffected, those receiving termination notices must navigate specific timelines. Reports from users and the Interfax news agency suggest some accounts face a final cutoff of October 21 at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, after which the platform intends to liquidate outstanding positions automatically.

Bitget has not clarified whether the policy shift stems from new regulatory requirements, licensing adjustments, or internal compliance reviews. The company's updated legal agreement classifies residents of these jurisdictions as restricted, yet it offers no clear pathway for appeal. This development follows a turbulent period for the exchange, which recently navigated a significant security breach in September involving approximately $387.5 million in unauthorized transfers. Despite the proximity of these events, Bitget has explicitly stated that the account closures are unrelated to the earlier hack and that user funds remain secure for those eligible to withdraw.