The Kremlin criticized French authorities for seizing a villa allegedly owned by the new husband of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife, Lyudmila Putina. The residence, located in Anglet, France, is reported to belong to Russian businessman Artur Ocheretny, who married Lyudmila in 2015. The seizure of Russian assets in Europe has increased since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to billions of dollars worth of Russian property being frozen or confiscated. The Kremlin has condemned these actions, accusing them of being illegal and undermining the legal system.
French media reported that the villa, known as Suzanna, was purchased for $5.8 million in 2013 and is being investigated for possible fraudulent funds used for the purchase. The investigations stemmed from a complaint by Transparency International, an NGO that tracks assets linked to “dirty money.” The property seizures in France, including the Anglet villa and a Paris apartment belonging to the ex-wife of Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, were part of money laundering investigations. Protests outside the Suzanna villa during the early days of Putin’s invasion included spray-painted anti-Putin and pro-Ukraine messages.
The Suzanna villa is not the only property in France with ties to Russian elites, as a nearby villa belonging to Kirill Shamalov, who was once married to Putin’s daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, was also targeted by activists. Following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, sanctions have been imposed on Putin’s daughters and his reputed girlfriend, Alina Maratovna Kabaeva. The United States has placed sanctions on both of Putin’s daughters as well as Kabaeva, who is a former Olympic gymnast. Despite reports of their relationship, the Kremlin has denied any romantic involvement between Putin and Kabaeva, who reportedly has four children with the Russian leader.
The Kremlin’s response to the property seizures in France reflects its ongoing tensions with European nations over the war in Ukraine. The conflict has led to increased scrutiny of Russian assets in Europe, with billions of dollars worth of property being frozen or confiscated as a result of sanctions. The Kremlin has repeatedly criticized these actions as illegal and has accused European authorities of undermining the legal system by seizing Russian assets. The investigation into the Anglet villa and other properties linked to Russian elites is part of efforts to combat money laundering and track assets connected to corrupt practices.
The protests and graffiti outside the Suzanna villa highlight the public backlash against Russian elites in Europe following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Activists have targeted properties linked to Russian individuals, including Putin’s ex-wife and her husband, as well as other wealthy Russian figures. The seizure of these properties has raised questions about the origins of the funds used to purchase them and has drawn attention to the issue of illicit financial activities involving Russian elites. The ongoing investigations into these properties reflect broader efforts to combat money laundering and corruption within the European financial system.
