A number of Russian citizens, who are on the EU and US sanctions lists due to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, have received Maltese passports under the "golden visa" scheme, reports Financial Times.
Among such Russians, in particular, Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan fell under EU sanctions due to Moscow's war in Ukraine.
The Maltese passport helps Avdolyan and other Russians with such a document partially circumvent the ban on entry to the EU.
Among those who received Maltese passports were also three individuals who later fell under US sanctions due to the war in Ukraine, and three more individuals who fell under Ukrainian sanctions.
Among such individuals is Yevgenia Volodymyrivna Bernova, who was accused by the US of “fraudulently acquiring dual-use equipment” that could be used for military purposes.
Bernova stated that she "obtained Maltese citizenship after a thorough and multi-layered vetting process" and that she has "genuine ties to Malta," including a business that she said is "a real investment in Malta and has nothing illegal or hidden."
Bernova stated that her inclusion on the sanctions list was a "mistake by the American authorities."
The passport holders are part of a larger group of 16 people who successfully paid for Maltese citizenship, despite later being placed on sanctions lists or convicted of crimes.
At least one of the Maltese passports was reportedly later revoked.
According to leaked information, Russian millionaire Pavel Melnikov obtained a Maltese passport in 2015 and a St. Kitts and Nevis passport in 2012 with the help of Henley.
In 2018, Finnish authorities raided his property in the Finnish archipelago of Turku. In February, he was convicted in Finland of tax and accounting fraud. His Maltese citizenship has since been revoked.
Melnikov is appealing the verdict and has said he will also appeal the cancellation of his Maltese passport.
The publication recalls that Malta is the last EU country that still offers to buy its citizenship. In this regard, the European Commission has filed a lawsuit with the Court of Justice of the EU to stop this scheme.
The Commission argues that the scheme “undermines the essence and integrity of EU citizenship.” The court is expected to rule on Tuesday.
Malta requires citizenship applicants to make a one-time investment of at least €600, purchase or lease real estate, donate €10 to charity, and reside in the country for three years. The residency requirement can be reduced to one year for those who invest €750.
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