BitRiver founder faces bankruptcy petition from bank

Odaily reports: Igor Runets, founder of Russian Bitcoin mining company BitRiver, is facing a bankruptcy petition from Russian PSB Bank due to overdue loan guarantees. PSB Bank has filed the petition with the Arbitration Court of Sverdlovsk Oblast, claiming 773 million rubles (approximately $9.27 million).

Mikhail Dorofeev, Deputy Chairman of PSB Bank, stated that Igor Runets is a guarantor for a loan issued to "Bitriver-B" and bears joint liability for unfulfilled obligations. The borrowing company defaulted, and the claim amount exceeding 770 million rubles includes all outstanding overdue debt. In early February 2026, Igor Runets was sentenced by a court to house arrest, accused of concealing large sums of money or property subject to taxes, fees, and insurance contributions. (Kommersant)