The United States ramped up its crackdown on Russian oligarchs ahead of the somber two-year mark since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday, the Justice Department revealed a series of extensive civil and criminal actions, including indictments targeting sanctioned oligarchs.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the unwavering support for Ukraine in a recorded statement, stating, “Today, the United States Department of Justice is more committed than ever to standing with our partners in Ukraine against Russian aggression.”
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In New York, charges were unsealed against sanctioned oligarch Andrewy Kostin for allegedly participating in a scheme to evade sanctions and launder funds to support two superyachts collectively worth $135 million.
Additionally, two individuals, Vadim Wolfson, and Gannon Bond, were arrested and charged as facilitators of Kostin’s alleged sanctions evasion scheme.
Meanwhile, in Florida, a grand jury indictment targeted Sergey Vitalievich Kurchenko, a sanctioned pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch, for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions by engaging in approximately $330 million worth of business with individuals inside the United States.
In Washington, D.C., Vladislav Osipov faced a superseding indictment on bank fraud charges related to his management of a luxury yacht allegedly owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg.
Furthermore, the Justice Department initiated a civil forfeiture complaint in Florida aimed at seizing two Miami luxury condominiums valued at around $2.5 million, owned by another sanctioned oligarch, Viktor Perevalov.
In Georgia, Feliks Medvedev pleaded guilty to involvement in the laundering of $150 million for Russian clients.
Task Force KleptoCapture, established by the Biden administration following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, continues its mission to isolate Russia economically. The task force targets Kremlin officials and oligarchs for violating sanctions and export restrictions imposed by the United States and its allies in response to Russia’s aggression.
Attorney General Garland reiterated the commitment to holding Russia’s enablers accountable, stating, “So long as Russia’s aggression continues, so too will our resolve to hold its enablers accountable. We stand firmly with the people of Ukraine.”
The actions underscore the ongoing efforts of the United States to confront Russian aggression and support Ukraine during this challenging period.