The Russian and British dual nationals have been accused of sending cryptocurrency to pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine and violating British sanctions.
As first reported by Reust, double citizens of Russia and Britain appeared before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London and faced charges related to sending cryptocurrency to separatist militias engaged in conflicts in eastern Ukraine.
Mikhail Vlasov, 53, was charged with eight counts of violating British sanctions targeting the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics.
Vlasov pleaded not guilty to all charges claiming that between April 2022 and April 2023, he had transferred a total of about 4,000 pounds (approximately $5,510) of cryptocurrency to groups supporting military operations in these regions. Following his appearance in the court, Vlasov was granted bail and is expected to return to court later this month.
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Prosecutor Anja Homeyer said the funds were explicitly intended to fund the purchase of drones, ammunition, weapons and military equipment such as militia groups operating in the Republic of Donetsk and Luhanks people, according to the website of the organization that Vlasov sent the cryptocurrency.
“This is about someone who is intentionally involved in action that he knows he is avoiding sanctions, but supports the war effort of the Russian military in eastern Ukraine,” she added.
Prosecutors explained that Vlasov’s case represents the second charge in Britain where someone was charged with violating sanctions related to the ongoing conflict with Russia that escalated following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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