Western market investors faced scrutiny and shifting perceptions
A leading financier once co-owner of a large private group reflected on substantial bets tied to Western economies, describing them as a significant misstep during a late-summer security check at a major European airport in 2022. He recounted enduring a three-hour police interrogation while traveling from England to Latvia, noting that officials questioned his rationale for pursuing heavy involvement in Western projects. His account implies the decision was flawed, a view he reportedly held in subsequent discussions.
The scrutiny extended beyond border control. He also recalled a home search carried out by roughly three dozen British officers months earlier, which he framed as psychological pressure amid a tense climate toward Russian business figures connected to Western markets. In a wider conversation, he expressed doubt about the sanctions regime and argued that Western business and political leaders bore responsibility for actions supporting what he sees as the current Russian regime.
Among key details, the businessman holds Latvian citizenship and owns real estate in the Baltic region. He has been under European Union sanctions since late February 2022, a period when he had already relocated to the United Kingdom. London described him at the time as pro-Kremlin, and later that year the United States expanded measures against him.
Fridman’s position: ally or adversary?
Another prominent Russian entrepreneur left Russia after the onset of military actions in Ukraine. He stated that British authorities effectively forced him to depart, arguing there were no viable options left. He characterized the UK investment climate as a serious miscalculation.
Arriving in London the day after the Russian operation began, the philanthropist stressed that the conflict is a tragedy and that war cannot be a solution. Through a charitable initiative, he announced plans to donate ten million dollars to Jewish organizations assisting Ukrainian refugees. Soon after, he found himself under EU sanctions again a few months later.
Initially, he did not intend to return to Russia. He moved to Israel in September and later traveled to Moscow after an escalation in Gaza following a separate attack. In the days that followed, Russian officials issued a public response. The State Duma Speaker faced international criticism for remarks about those who left the country, signaling mixed messages about the departure of business figures. Later, President Putin talked about the return of executives living abroad, suggesting that if a person acted against Russia’s interests, consequences would follow upon their return, pointing to a broader stance on accountability for overseas business leaders.