Prague, Czech Republic – August 7, 2023

Czech authorities have taken legal action against a Russian citizen, Dmitry Kalantyrsky, on charges of violating international sanctions. The accused allegedly facilitated money transfers to a Russian oligarch who has been under EU sanctions since 2015 due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Jaroslav Ibehej, the spokesperson for the National Centre against Organised Crime, revealed this information to the Czech News Agency.

According to the investigation, Kalantyrsky, a businessman originally from Ukraine, is accused of transferring funds on behalf of the oligarch in 2015, with some of the transactions taking place within the Czech Republic. The case, initiated on August 2, is currently under the supervision of Prague’s chief prosecutor’s office. Despite the criminal proceedings, Kalantyrsky remains at large.

Daily N reported that Kalantyrsky has been residing in the Czech Republic since 2014. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police have sealed a building linked to him. However, the accused businessman denies the charges, asserting that the money he received originated from his business partners when he left Russia. Kalantyrsky maintains that the Russian oligarch in question, Rotenberg, had no involvement with his company during that period. While acknowledging past business dealings with Rotenberg spanning over two decades, Kalantyrsky claims that they are no longer in contact.

Media reports have highlighted the close ties between the Rotenberg brothers, Arkady and Boris, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who trained together in judo during their youth. The Rotenbergs are among Russia’s wealthiest individuals, partly due to receiving significant state contracts from Putin’s regime. Notably, they were involved in constructing the bridge connecting Russia to Crimea, which has become a symbol of Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula.

Under the Czech Criminal Code, violations of international sanctions carry penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine. The severity of punishment may increase based on the scale of the violation and resulting damages. In cases where the act significantly contributes to breaching international peace and security, combating terrorism, or promoting democracy and the rule of law, the sentence could extend to up to eight years in prison.

The Czech Republic’s actions reflect its commitment to upholding international sanctions and holding individuals accountable for any violations that may undermine global security and stability. As the case unfolds, the authorities will continue their efforts to ensure compliance with international sanctions and preserve the integrity of the international legal framework.

Article by Prague Forum