Exposed: How Malta Sold "Golden Passports" to Sanctioned Russians
Malta remains the last European Union member selling citizenship in exchange for investment, a practice now under fierce scrutiny after several sanctioned Russians reportedly benefited from the program.
According to a Financial Times investigation based on Malta Government Gazette records and leaked documents, Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan secured a Maltese passport. Sanctioned by the European Union over Russia’s war against Ukraine, Avdolyan could potentially bypass travel restrictions using his Maltese nationality.
Avdolyan, who obtained his citizenship in 2015, is among seven individuals later sanctioned by either the EU, the United States, or Ukraine in relation to Russia’s aggression.
Another case involves Evgeniya Bernova, sanctioned by the US for allegedly procuring dual-use technologies for the Russian military via a Maltese company. Bernova defended her citizenship, claiming it followed a "thorough and multi-tiered due diligence process" and that she had "genuine links to Malta."
Maltese authorities have revoked at least one passport. Russian millionaire Pavel Melnikov, who also held citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis, lost his Maltese passport after being convicted of tax and accounting violations in Finland. He is currently appealing both the conviction and the revocation.
These individuals are part of a broader group of 16 people who secured Maltese nationality before facing sanctions or criminal convictions.
Malta’s "Golden Visa" Program Under EU Pressure
Malta’s controversial citizenship-by-investment program requires a minimum investment of approximately $681,600, plus the purchase or rental of property, a $11,360 donation to charity, and a three-year residency. Applicants can reduce the residency to one year by investing $852,000.
The European Commission has sued Malta before the European Court of Justice, arguing that the scheme "undermines the essence and integrity of EU citizenship." A ruling is expected on Tuesday, April 29.
If the court rules against Malta, it could spell the end of the EU’s last remaining golden passport program.
EU Sanctions Against Russia: Ongoing Pressure
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has adopted 16 rounds of sanctions to cripple Russia’s economic and military capabilities and prevent circumvention.
Recent reports revealed that the US under the Trump administration urged the EU to ease sanctions for peace talks, but Brussels firmly rejected the proposal, maintaining strong economic pressure on Moscow.