Malta sold 'golden passports' to Russians sanctioned over Ukraine war - FT

According to the FT, which based its information on Malta Government Gazette and leaked documents, one of the holders of a "golden passport" is Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan.

He was sanctioned by the EU over Russia's war against Ukraine. However, he may be able to partially bypass travel bans thanks to his Maltese passport, which he acquired under the "golden visa" program.

Avdolyan, who obtained his passport in 2015, is among seven individuals who gained Maltese citizenship and were later sanctioned by the US, the EU, or Ukraine in connection with Russia's war against Ukraine.

Three others who received Maltese passports were later sanctioned by the US over the war in Ukraine, while another three were sanctioned by Ukraine.

For example, Evgeniya Bernova was sanctioned after the US accused her of purchasing dual-use equipment for the Russian military through a Maltese company. Bernova claimed she had obtained Maltese citizenship after a "thorough and multi-tiered due diligence process" and said she had "genuine links to Malta."

At least one Maltese passport has been revoked.

Specifically, Russian millionaire Pavel Melnikov lost his "golden visa." Melnikov had acquired passports from both Malta and St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2018, Finnish police raided his estates in Turku. In February, he was convicted of tax and accounting violations in Finland, and his Maltese citizenship was revoked. He is appealing both decisions.

These passport holders are part of a broader group of 16 individuals who successfully acquired Maltese citizenship, despite later being sanctioned or convicted of crimes.

Malta's "golden passports"

Malta remains the last EU country to sell citizenship. Its "golden visa" program requires a one-time investment of at least €600,000, the purchase or rental of real estate, a donation of €10,000 to charity, and residency in Malta for three years. The residency period can be reduced to one year with an investment of €750,000.

Because of this, the European Commission filed a lawsuit against Malta at the European Court of Justice, seeking to shut down the program. The Commission argues that the scheme "undermines both the essence and the integrity of EU citizenship." A court ruling is expected on Tuesday, April 29.

EU sanctions against Russia

As of April 2025, the EU has adopted 16 rounds of sanctions against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These measures aim to weaken the Kremlin's economic and military capabilities and to make it harder for Moscow to circumvent existing sanctions.

Recently, Western media reported that the US had pushed the EU to lift sanctions against Russia as part of the Trump administration's peace efforts. However, Brussels rejected Washington's request.