Western Union Enables Web Payments in Russia

Western Union has launched a transactional website in Russia, extending its Internet transaction network to 24 countries.

Consumers in Russia can use the site to send money transfers to Western Union's network of more than 500,000 agent locations across 200 countries and territories. Recipients can opt to direct the funds to a bank account.

The new Russian online service was launched with Moscomprivatbank (banking group PrivatBank).

"Western Union continues to grow its online transactional network and increase consumer access to our services worldwide," says Khalid Fellahi, senior vice president and general manager of Western Union Digital, in a Nov. 15 press release.

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council also recently took interest in Russia, launching a website to detail data security issues.