In a startling revelation, a recent investigation by The Kyiv Independent has uncovered potential loopholes in the sanctions imposed on Sergey Korolev, the First Deputy Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). It appears that Korolev has been misidentified in official records for years, raising questions about the effectiveness of international sanctions against him amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Background
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, various countries implemented sanctions against key figures in the Russian government, including members of the FSB, due to their involvement in the war. These sanctions typically restrict access to assets, investments, and travel. However, the investigation revealed that incorrect personal data listed in the sanctions might allow Korolev to evade these restrictions.
Inaccurate Identification
Journalists from The Kyiv Independent discovered that Korolev had been included in sanctions lists from the European Union (EU) and Switzerland with a significant error in his date of birth. The date listed is ten years different from the most likely and publicly known date of birth, which is July 25, 1962. This discrepancy could lead to difficulties in identifying him accurately for sanctions enforcement.
Moreover, the investigation found that most sanctions lists, except for those from the United States and Australia, do not include one probable version of his name: Sergey Korolev. This lack of consistent naming could further complicate efforts to enforce the sanctions against him.
Public Image and Misidentification
Compounding the issue of misidentification, it appears that Korolev has successfully concealed his appearance from the public eye for years. The investigation revealed that the only photograph widely circulated to depict Sergey Korolev is actually that of another individual, Artem Kuplennikov, a resident of Yekaterinburg. Kuplennikov confirmed to The Kyiv Independent that he was indeed the person in the photograph, which was taken by local photographer Boris Yarkov at a public event in 2016.
This photo was first published in a news article concerning personnel changes within the FSB that referenced Korolev. Although the article did not explicitly state that the image depicted Korolev, it led to a years-long misidentification. Other media outlets adopted the image as that of Korolev, and it was used so frequently that it eventually found its way onto the website of the Russian state corporation Rosatom, where Korolev serves as a board member.
Identifying the Real Sergey Korolev
The Kyiv Independent's investigation went beyond merely identifying the incorrect photo. It also sought to uncover the true appearance of Sergey Korolev and his family. Interestingly, they found that several years ago, Korolev and his family were visible during the filming of a television show in occupied Crimea, further complicating his narrative and public image.
Implications of Incorrect Data
The incorrect data associated with Korolev in international sanctions lists presents significant challenges for authorities tasked with enforcing these sanctions. As noted by Vladislav Vlasiyuk, the authorized representative of the Ukrainian president on sanctions policy, "This leaves room for maneuvering. The sanction remains, but some banks, for example, may not identify this person as sanctioned, especially if there are no other identifying details."
This statement underscores the potential risks posed by relying on erroneous identification when implementing sanctions, highlighting the need for accurate and consistent data in these international efforts.
Conclusion
The investigation by The Kyiv Independent serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in international sanctions enforcement, particularly against high-profile figures like Sergey Korolev. As the conflict in Ukraine continues and sanctions remain a critical tool for international response, ensuring that accurate identification is maintained will be essential in holding accountable those responsible for the ongoing aggression. The potential for misidentification not only undermines the effectiveness of sanctions but also complicates the broader efforts to apply pressure on the Russian government and its operatives.
