As such, Konstantin Malofeyev faces up to 20 years in prison for each of two separate charges related to his alleged hiring of Jack Hanick, a U.S. citizen, to operate Russian and Greek television networks and for allegedly attempting to buy another network in Bulgaria.
“Konstantin Malofeyev is closely tied to Russian aggression in Ukraine, having been determined by [the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control] to have been one of the main sources of financing for the promotion of Russia-aligned separatist groups operating in the sovereign nation of Ukraine.,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “The United States sanctions on Malofeyev prohibit him from paying or receiving services from United States citizens, or from conducting transactions with his property in the United States. But as alleged, he systematically flouted those restrictions for years after being sanctioned.”
According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Malofeyev is at large but believed to be in Russia. The Russian oligarch is also accused of conspiring to illegally transfer $10 million from a U.S. bank to a business associate. As a result of that transfer, the U.S. attorney’s office has seized Malofeyev’s investment in addition to levying the indictments.
“The Indictment unsealed today shows this Office’s commitment to the enforcement of laws intended to hamstring those who would use their wealth to undermine fundamental democratic processes. This Office will continue to be a leader in the Justice Department’s work to hold accountable actors who would support flagrant and unjustified acts of war,” Williams said.
From Twitter
Jon Cooper @joncoopertweets
"BREAKING: The Netherlands has seized 14 superyachts owned by Russian oligarchs—12 were under construction and two were undergoing maintenance."
In 2014, the U.S. declared a state of emergency when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula. At that time, Malofeyev was declared a Specially Designated National and determined to be “one of the main sources of financing for Russians promoting separatism in Crimea,” according to the announcement.
EO 13660, the Executive Order from then-President Barack Obama sanctioning individuals associated with the Crimean invasion, relied on, among other legislation, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.
From Twitter
Financial Times @FinancialTimes Apr 1
"Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich arranged to have a private meeting with President Vladimir Putin the day Ukraine was invaded. According to two people with knowledge of the discussion, Abramovich made a strong case to end the war. Here’s the story: https://www.ft.com/content/d80a42c1-bd1f-48e1-8dcf-f01ebdb304fb"
“Kremlin-linked Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev played a leading role in supporting Russia’s 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine, continues to run a pro-Putin propaganda network, and recently described Russia’s 2022 military invasion of Ukraine as a ‘holy war.’ The FBI works tirelessly to protect our national interests, and we will continue to use all the resources at our disposal to aggressively counter Russia’s malign activity around the world,” said FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll.