Former Sevastopol mayor faces UK sanction evasion charges

Dmitrii Ovsiannikov, a former Russian minister and the ex-mayor of Sevastopol, appeared in court facing multiple charges related to circumventing UK sanctions. Ovsiannikov, 48, is accused of exploiting a bank account to move money while under restrictions. The court learned that Ovsiannikov opened an account with Halifax Bank of Scotland before February 2023. His wife, Ekaterina Ovsiannikova, is also on trial for assisting him by transferring large sums to this account. She faces four counts of breaching sanctions as her husband tried to evade financial restrictions. Ovsiannikov’s brother, Alexei Owsjanikow, has denied claims of helping him purchase a luxury car and cover school fees for Ovsiannikov’s children, which were also alleged violations of sanctions. Evidence shown in court included police footage of Ovsiannikov's arrest on January 22, 2024. During questioning, Ovsiannikov revealed his surprise at being designated under UK sanctions, stating he believed he was no longer restricted due to a decision made in the European Union. The EU had previously labeled him a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty, and he was sanctioned by the UK under its own regulations after Brexit. His wife claimed she was unaware that he remained under sanctions in the UK. She expressed concern about their family’s situation and confirmed she had to withdraw cash for everyday expenses after noticing difficulties with her bank account. The trial is ongoing as the court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the sanctions violations.