**Maltese “Golden Passports” Sold to EU-Sanctioned Russians, Reports Financial Times**
The small European country of Malta has been selling citizenship through its “golden visa” scheme, which allows wealthy individuals to buy their way into the EU. However, a recent investigation by the Financial Times (FT) has revealed that at least seven individuals with ties to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine have obtained Maltese passports through this program.
These individuals, sanctioned by the EU, US, or Kyiv, include Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan, who was sanctioned by the EU in February. Avdolyan acquired his Maltese citizenship in 2015 and used it to partially bypass travel bans imposed by the bloc. His wife and four children also received Maltese passports.
The FT investigation found that these individuals had invested at least €600,000 ($680,000) in the program, which includes renting or buying property, donating to charity, and residing in Malta for up to a year. The documents leaked to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project showed that Avdolyan and his family fulfilled residency requirements largely through hotel stays arranged by Henley & Partners, the company that helped design Malta’s citizenship program.
This revelation has sparked criticism from the European Commission, which has argued that the practice “undermines both the essence and the integrity of EU citizenship.” The commission has taken Malta to the European Court of Justice, with a ruling expected on April 29. If Malta is found guilty, it could lead to changes in its citizenship program.
The sale of Maltese passports through this program has raised concerns about money laundering and corruption. Transparency International and other campaigners have warned that a favorable court ruling for Malta could promote a “race to the bottom” in citizenship standards across Europe.
This news comes at a time when there is growing concern about the influence of Russian oligarchs on European politics. In February, US President Donald Trump announced a new “gold card” program offering a $5 million pathway to US residency and citizenship for wealthy individuals, which has sparked concerns that Russian oligarchs could be eligible to apply.
The Maltese government did not respond to a request for comment from the FT. However, this investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the sale of EU citizenship through programs like Malta’s “golden visa” scheme.
