Poland votes to allow crypto, bank account freezes without court orders

Poland’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill allowing the government to freeze bank accounts, cryptocurrency holdings and other property through administrative decisions without first obtaining a court order. Summary Poland’s lower house approved the sanctions bill with 240 votes supporting and 202 opposing it. The proposed law would allow administrative freezes on crypto holdings, bank accounts and other property. Affected individuals could appeal sanctions decisions, but challenges would not automatically suspend imposed asset freezes. Opposition lawmakers and legal groups have raised concerns about property rights and freedom of expression. The legislation still requires Senate consideration and presidential approval before becoming law in Poland. The Sejm passed the legislation on Nov. 6 by 240 votes to 202, with one lawmaker abstaining. The government-backed bill, known as the Act on Restrictive Measures, would establish a national sanctions list covering individuals and organizations considered threats to Poland’s security, including those involved in certain forms of foreign interference. Under the proposal, the interior minister could place individuals or companie...