On 8 October 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against two former managers of the former "Moscow House" for violating sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU).
VDD assesses that the suspected persons have illegally received income and services from cooperation partners by using frozen economic resources of the "Moscow House".
VDD initiated the criminal case on 23 November 2023, pursuant to Section 84 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law, namely, on suspicion for the violation of sanctions imposed by the EU.
The so-called "Moscow House", which was registered in Latvia as the representative office of the Moscow City State Unitary Company "Moscow Centre for International Cooperation", has been under the EU sanctions since 2022. Until the takeover by the Latvian State, the sole shareholder of the "Moscow House" was the Moscow City Property Department, which is subordinated to Moscow City Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. In reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, V. Putin is included in the EU sanctions list since 25 February 2022, whilst S. Sobyanin – since 21 July 2022.
The EU’s current regulatory framework stipulates the obligation to freeze all funds and economic resources owned, held, possessed or controlled by individuals included in the EU sanctions lists. The premises of the "Moscow House" are also considered economic resources and thus are subject of prohibition of use if funds, goods or services are obtained this way. Thus, renting out premises that are under sanctions is prohibited.
During the investigation, VDD established that, at the time, the managers of the "Moscow House", despite the restrictions imposed by the EU, rented out "Moscow House" premises to several foundations, companies and natural persons, therefore unlawfully gaining income from these economic resources of the "Moscow House". Likewise, the then managers of the "Moscow House" received unauthorised services from the tenants in return for the provision of facilities. Namely, the tenants paid monthly and other bills on behalf of "Moscow House", ensuring further functionality of the building.
VDD reminds that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, VDD
