Bill approving confiscation of assets from relocating individuals in Russia advances in first parliamentary vote
Here's the Revised Article:
Russian lawmakers have given the green light to a bill that could see Russians living abroad face administrative penalties for actions against Russia's interests overseas, according to RIA Novosti. The legislation also aims to hold foreign nationals and stateless persons accountable for similar offenses. Previously, our source reported that changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses concerning expatriates were presented to the Russian parliament in October 2024.
The bill targets the application of administrative law in space, such as discrediting the Armed Forces, participating in the activities of an undesirable organization, inciting actions against Russia and its citizens, violating its territorial integrity, inciting hatred or enmity, insulting authorities and state symbols, and the dissemination of false socially significant information in media and on the internet [1][3]. However, it's important to note that the range of offenses extends beyond these specific examples, potentially encompassing any actions that could harm Russia's interests while abroad, including but not limited to:
- Incitement of terrorism or extremism
- Rehabilitation of Nazism
- Organizing mass unrest
- Instigating an aggressive war
- Violating Russia’s territorial integrity
These additional offenses are part of a broader legal framework allowing for trials in absentia for various types of crimes and administrative offenses [1][3]. The bill was approved in the first reading with 345 votes in favor, and one deputy abstained.
Notifications and procedural documents for respondents will be sent via mobile phone messages or emails. If these amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses are adopted, law enforcement agencies, following a court ruling within enforcement proceedings, will be able to seize the property of relocators (cash, real estate, vehicles) equivalent to the imposed administrative fine.
It's worth mentioning that a federal law on the confiscation of cash, valuables, and other property for disseminating misinformation about the Russian army, sanctions against Russia and its citizens, calls for actions aimed at violating Russia's integrity, and other criminal offenses has been in effect in Russia since February 2024 [2]. Don't forget to check out our article on "New restrictions on foreign agents in Russia."
[Sources]
[1] https://www.law.ru/lenta/top-news/administrativnye-protessy-za-delo-v-rossii-v-otsh illness-formu
[2] https://tass.ru/obschestvo/14193808
[3] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/30/russia-passes-law-to-prosecute-its-citizens-abroad-a77614
[4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-passes-law-targeting-foreign-agents-2025-05-30/
- I'm not sure if this new policy-and-legislation targets only the specific actions mentioned, but it seems to extend to various actions against Russia's interests, including war-and-conflicts-related offenses such as instigating an aggressive war or violating Russia’s territorial integrity.
- Besides general-news outlets like RIA Novosti, citizens living abroad should also be aware of the general-news implications of this legislation, such as the potential for trials in absentia and the confiscation of property for disseminating false information or inciting actions against Russia.
