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Former Russian Minister Convicted in UK for Sanctions Evasion
London, UK – A former Russian government official has become the first individual convicted in the United Kingdom for circumventing sanctions imposed following Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The landmark ruling highlights ongoing international efforts to enforce measures against those undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
Details of the Sanctions Evasion
Dmitrii Ovsiannikov, who previously served as governor of Sevastopol in Crimea after being appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2016, utilized a British bank account to illicitly receive tens of thousands of pounds from his spouse. Prosecutors detailed that he also accepted gifts and financial payments from his brother, actions deemed to be in violation of existing sanctions.
Background on Sanctions and Ovsiannikov’s Role
Ovsiannikov, who also held the position of deputy minister for industry and trade, was identified as a significant political figure. He was placed under European Union sanctions in 2017 due to his involvement in activities deemed to threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. These sanctions were subsequently adopted by the U.K. in 2019 as part of its departure from the EU.
Prosecution Statement on Sanctions Breach
Julius Capon of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated, “He was aware of his inclusion on the UK sanctions list since 2017, yet consciously chose to disregard it. Furthermore, another family member deliberately attempted to breach these sanctions to sustain a lavish lifestyle, demonstrating a complete disrespect for the rule of law.”
Courtroom Verdict and Charges
Ovsiannikov, aged 48, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court on six of seven counts of sanctions circumvention, relating to the period between February 2023 and January 2024. The jury was unable to reach a definitive verdict on the remaining count.
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He was additionally convicted of possessing and utilizing criminal property, further compounding the legal ramifications.
Brother’s and Wife’s Involvement and Verdicts
Alexei Owsjanikow, 47, Ovsiannikov’s brother, was also convicted on two counts of sanctions evasion for covering school fees for Ovsiannikov’s children. However, he was found not guilty on three other counts related to procuring a Mercedes-Benz valued at 54,500 pounds ($70,000) for his brother and providing him access to a bank account.
Ekaterina Ovsiannikova, 47, Ovsiannikov’s wife, was acquitted of four counts of sanctions circumvention. These charges were connected to allegations of transferring 76,000 pounds ($97,000) to her husband.
Defense Arguments and Family Background
Legal representatives for the brother and wife argued that they lacked awareness of the sanctions against Ovsiannikov or were unaware of the restrictions preventing him from receiving financial assistance. All three individuals involved are Russian citizens, though Ovsiannikov and his brother possess British passports due to their father’s birth in England.
Significance of the Prosecution
The CPS has emphasized that this case marks the first successful prosecution for violations of sanctions implemented by the U.K. in 2019.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty issued a statement affirming, “Mr. Ovsiannikov believed he could evade our sanctions. We remain steadfastly committed to intensifying pressure on Putin, his associates, and all those enabling his brutal conflict in Ukraine.”
Sentencing Awaits
Sentencing for Ovsiannikov and his brother is scheduled for a later, yet to be determined, date.