Garland OKs Russian Asset Transfer to Ukraine.

U.S. Attorney General Approves Transfer of Confiscated Russian Assets to Ukraine

Background

The United States has charged Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev with violating sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine last year. Malofeyev is accused of providing funds to Russians promoting separatism in Crimea. The Department of Justice seized millions of dollars from an account at a U.S. financial institution that could be linked to Malofeyev’s sanctions violations. In February, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland authorized the transfer of that money to Ukraine. Congress passed a law in December 2022 directing the Department of State to award certain proceeds from confiscated Russian assets to Ukraine.

Transfer of Assets

Garland announced on Wednesday that he had given the go-ahead for the first transfer of confiscated Russian assets to Ukraine. The expropriated money will be sent for the reconstruction of Ukraine in response to Moscow’s military operation, which began in February 2022. “While this represents the United States’ first transfer of forfeited funds for the rebuilding of Ukraine. It will not be the last,” Garland said in a statement.

Taskforce KleptoCapture

Garland also announced taskforce KleptoCapture, which involves a group of prosecutors, agents, analysts, translators, and other Justice Department personnel and law enforcement partners who have been prosecuting and effecting seizures against “sanctioned enablers” of the Kremlin and Russian military.

Collaboration with Ukrainian Authorities

The Justice Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team has been collaborating closely with Ukrainian authorities to probe into specific crimes committed by Russian military personnel, such as assaults on civilian sites. The United States has unwaveringly supported Ukraine throughout Russia’s aggression and invasion since it began around 14 months ago.

Response from Moscow

Such transfers of assets seized by the United States from Russians have been criticized by Moscow as “barbaric.” Moscow has threatened to respond with similar actions if deemed necessary, labeling the United States’ actions as “theft” and cautioned that it violates international law.

Despite Moscow’s objections, the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine and upholding justice and the rule of law.