On October 2nd, the Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case at the request of businessman Konstantin Malofeev, concerning the seizure of his assets in the United States.
Investigators say they are trying to identify U.S. officials involved in decisions the agency describes as illegal.
Malofeev, the owner of Russia's Tsargrad television channel, said the U.S. seized $10 million from him, of which $5.4 million was later transferred to Ukraine .
“Former US President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland have embezzled my money. The money was legally invested in the US – even before any sanctions were imposed,” Malofeev wrote on Telegram.
He accused former President Biden and Secretary Garland of forming an “organized crime group” from 2021 to 2024 to seize Russian state assets and assets owned by Russian citizens.
"Biden funded the terrorists who killed Russians," businessman Malofeev said, referring to Ukrainian forces.
The businessman described the incident as "unprecedented," adding that "10 million USD is just the first step," and predicted that other victims would also file similar lawsuits.
He stated that any funds recovered through legal proceedings would be used to support the Russian military.
"The thieves will go to jail. Even if they're sitting in the White House," he concluded.
Malofeev has been under US sanctions since 2014.
US officials said that $10 million had been invested in a Texas-based holding company before sanctions were imposed, but alleged that the company then attempted to transfer the investment to a business partner, violating the sanctions.
A U.S. court ordered the seizure of approximately $5.4 million related to this investment in 2023. Subsequently, Secretary Garland authorized the transfer of this money to the State Department to support Ukraine.
The U.S. Department of Justice later stated that the money had been used to support Ukrainian veterans.
Businessman Malofeev has denied violating US sanctions. He previously stated that he did not own any money or assets in the West after 2014.
The Biden administration provided $65.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine after the conflict escalated in February 2022, while also imposing successive rounds of sanctions on Russia.
US President Donald Trump has criticized his predecessor's support for Ukraine, saying the US is being "deceived," and claimed the US has committed $350 billion to Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly condemned the West's supply of weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing that it only prolongs the conflict.
Russia also condemned the sanctions and the seizure of Russian assets as "acts of theft".
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/doanh-nhan-nguoi-nga-cao-buoc-chinh-quyen-ong-biden-chiem-doat-tien-post794826.html
