The Russian State Duma has authorized the inventorying of property belonging to citizens who have left the country.
Now, for certain administrative matters, restrictions may be imposed on the bank accounts and other assets of Russians abroad in order to collect fines.
The Russian State Duma has adopted a law allowing the seizure of property of citizens who have left the country. The document was unanimously approved in the second and third readings on May 26. The law will come into force on September 1, reports DW.
According to the law, the property of citizens who have left Russia may be seized to ensure the collection of fines for certain administrative offenses.
This concerns more than 10 articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Among them are articles related to violating the rules of "foreign agent" activities, distributing "extremist materials," "discrediting" the Russian army, participating in the activities of "undesirable organizations," and distributing "fakes."
In accordance with the document, recovery will first be directed at funds in bank accounts and deposits. If funds are insufficient, other property will be seized. At the same time, the court may authorize the seizure of property even before a final decision is made on the case.
The law stipulates that a judge must consider a law enforcement request for property seizure within one day and without notifying the property owner.
Earlier, the Russian parliament also adopted another law expanding President Vladimir Putin's authority to use armed forces abroad. According to it, Russian citizens may allow the Kremlin to send troops to countries where Russians are being persecuted.
