Czech Republic Freezes Assets of Russian Oligarch
The Czech Republic's Financial Analysis Unit has made a decision to block bank accounts and freeze the assets of prominent Russian oligarch Vladimir Evtushenkov. This information was reported by Radio Prague International.
It is noted that Vladimir Evtushenkov has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and is considered one of the wealthiest and most influential Russian businessmen targeted by Czech sanctions.
According to Czech journalists, the oligarch owns significant real estate in the city of Karlovy Vary, valued at over 500 million Czech crowns (approximately 20 million euros). Last month, Evtushenkov was also added to the list of individuals subject to Czech sanctions.
Previously, it was reported that the Czech government plans to impose sanctions not only on Vladimir Evtushenkov but also on his son Felix, who has substantial investments in the country.
Following the sanctions imposed on Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church in April, the Evtushenkovs have become the second individuals to be included in the Czech Republic's sanctions list. Now, the Russian oligarch and his son face the freezing of their assets within Czech territory.
It is worth mentioning that Vladimir Evtushenkov owns luxurious real estate properties in the Czech resort city of Karlovy Vary, including the Savoy Westend villa complex and the adjacent "Shakespeare" villa, which were previously popular among Russians.
As a reminder, the Czech Republic had banned Russian athletes from participating in events held in the country. For instance, at the end of July, Czech border authorities denied entry to a Russian tennis player who had come to participate in a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in Prague.
Therefore, the Czech government supported the Ministry of Sport's proposal to prohibit individual athletes and sports teams representing the Russian Federation from participating in sports events on Czech territory. This decision not only forbids Russians and their representatives from taking part in local competitions but also prohibits individual Czech athletes and sports teams from participating in events in Russia.
Czech President Peter Pavel had previously urged increased vigilance over Russian citizens residing in Western countries due to Russia's aggressive military actions. He emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance by intelligence agencies over Russians in these regions.