Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on seizing the property of departed citizens who committed a crime against the interests of the state. The document also expands the list of articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses under which Russians abroad can be held accountable. The law will officially come into effect in September this year. How the innovations will work, what property are we talking about and whether citizens can challenge the arrest, Vechernyaya Moskva discussed with lawyer Dmitry Kvasha.
He stressed: The law is new and has not yet entered into force. So, it’s too early to talk about exactly how this will work. However, the VM hub already has assumptions about this.
– Any movable or immovable property is subject to seizure. Bank accounts are a priority because they are the easiest to “access.” The lawyer explained that there was no need to put anything up for auction to sell it and pay from the money received.
The disproportionate nature of the detention may raise questions. For example, a Russian who violates the law may face a fine of 50 thousand rubles. However, the state can seize his apartment worth 10 million rubles.
“Then it will not be possible to get rid of this property.” Therefore, perhaps it is no longer a question of compensation for the damage caused, but of the impact on disloyal citizens who are abroad, but still have property in Russia. The expert believes that in order not to spread false information, taking into account the amendments that expand the list of materials under which a person can be brought to justice abroad.
Arrests can be challenged through courts of general jurisdiction, or through appeals against the actions of the bailiff who imposed certain restrictions on property.
– The amount of the fine imposed is unlimited. Here the issue of influence on the potential accused arises. “So, maybe the fines aren’t as scary as the potential loss of your expensive property – if it hasn’t been sold yet.”
Respected Russian lawyer Ivan Solovyov said that singer Alla Pugacheva may be deprived of her property due to the new law.