Russian-British dual national Mikhail Vlasov appeared in court in London for allegedly sending cryptocurrency to support pro-Russian groups in Ukraine.
Charges and Court Process
53-year-old Mikhail Vlasov has been charged with eight counts of violating UK sanctions regarding the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Vlasov allegedly transferred approximately £4,000 ($5,510) worth of cryptocurrency between April 2022 and April 2023. After the court appearance, he was granted bail and is scheduled to return to court later this month.
Funding Details
Prosecutor Anja Hohmeyer stated that, according to the organizations receiving the cryptocurrency, the funds were explicitly intended for financing the purchase of military equipment, including drones, ammunition, weapons, and uniforms for militia groups operating in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.
Significance of the Case
Vlasov's case represents only the second instance in the UK of someone being charged for breaching sanctions linked to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which escalated following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The prosecutor emphasized that Vlasov's actions are assisting the war effort of the Russian army in eastern Ukraine.
The case against Mikhail Vlasov highlights the importance of adhering to international sanctions and their enforcement in the context of ongoing conflicts.
