UK sanctions corrupt actors undermining democratic governments in Foreign Secretary’s latest steps to crack down on corruption and illicit finance.
United Kingdom sanctions Pro-Kremlin operatives responsible for rigging elections in Moldova. Sanctions will freeze and ban travel.
The sanctions target a network of pro-Russian actors named Evrazia operating in Moldova on behalf of corrupt fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, previously designated by the UK in 2022, to destabilise Moldovan democracy and spread Russia’s malign influence.
Evrazia, a Russian non-profit, has been used by Shor to bribe Moldovan citizens to vote “no” in last year’s referendum on joining the EU. Moldovan police have said that approximately 130,000 citizens received a total of $15 million from Evrazia – with payments ranging from $50 per month for “supporters” to over $2,500 per month for “leaders”.
UK also sanctions corrupt officials and prosecutors in Georgia and Guatemala.
In Georgia, this includes the leaders of the ‘Judicial Clan’ – a group of party-political judges who are abusing their position to influence court rulings and undermine the rule of law for the benefit of the ‘Georgian Dream’ party and their control of Georgia’s judicial system.
In Guatemala, the sanctions are targeted at former President Giammattei and his ‘Pacto De Corruptos’ (‘Pact of the Corrupt’) – a cabal of officials and prosecutors still operating under the current Attorney General who have sought to undermine the anti-corruption reforms of President Arévalo by interfering in prosecutions and threatening investigators.
The individuals and entity designated for sanctions today are:
Moldova
Evrazia, a non-governmental organisation that acts on behalf of pro-Russian Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor;
Nelli Parutenko, founder and director of Evrazia;
Natalia Parasca, member of the Evrazia management board and former leader of the Shor-backed Renaissance Party;
Marina Tauber, former leader of the Shor Party.
Guatemala
Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala;
Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (FECI), who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies;
Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at FECI;
Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry, who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies, and targeted anti-corruption journalists, judges and prosecutors;
Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification, who misappropriated public funds for the benefit of his own businesses;
Miguel Martinez, close associate of Giammattei.
Georgia
Levan Murusidze, member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and member of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals;
Mikheil Chinchaladze, Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals.
