Poland Sejm Passes Bill Allowing Crypto Asset Freezes

Poland’s Sejm passed legislation that would allow authorities to freeze crypto assets as part of national sanctions, approving the Act on Restrictive Measures by 240 votes to 202, with one abstention. The bill has gone to the Senate and is not yet law.

The legislation expressly includes crypto assets, using a definition tied to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, or MiCA, among funds that may be frozen under sanctions. It would also broaden the grounds for placing individuals and organizations on Poland’s national sanctions list, including certain activities involving foreign interference and information manipulation that pose a threat to national security.

Under the proposal, the interior minister would oversee the list. Designations would take effect the day after publication, and affected people and companies could challenge them in administrative court. Filing a challenge would not automatically suspend enforcement, so asset restrictions could remain in place while a case proceeds.

The measure does not provide for a general freeze on cryptocurrency holdings in Poland. Its restrictions would apply to people and organizations designated under the national...