Latvian Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Aven’s Citizenship: Implications and Legal Battle

Last week Latvia was shocked by the news that the US Ministry of Finance imposed sanctions on Russian billionaires, the founders and shareholders of the Russian “Alfa Bank” Piotr Aven and Mihail Fridman. They left the country after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but were put on the EU and UK sanctions lists last year. EU and US sanctions have also been applied to the bank itself.

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution (SAB) has announced that it will take into account the sanctions imposed by the United States in its opinion on the possible deprivation of Aven’s Latvian citizenship. However, when there might be a decision, what this will mean for Aven himself in practice, whether he will have to leave Latvia – the office did not answer these questions, stressing that other institutions are responsible for this.

The office explains that the entry and stay of foreigners is documented and controlled by the PMLP, border guards, diplomatic and consular missions and the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The office admits that if Avenam’s citizenship is annulled, he will be able to continue his legal battle within the limits set by the law.

Piotrs Avens gave his opinion to “TV3 News” in written form.

“In order to clearly present the situation and prevent unfounded speculations, I would like to draw attention to the following facts. I have been living in Latvia for more than a year and I am a tax resident of Latvia. I have resigned from all positions in the companies of the “Alfa” group since March 2022 and have been waiting for a year permission from the Cypriot authorities to complete the sale process of its Russian business.”

2023-08-14 17:33:00
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