At least seven individuals sanctioned by the European Union (EU) or the United States due to their involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have obtained Maltese citizenship through the country’s Golden Passport Program, a new report from the Financial Times reveals. These individuals acquired their passports in exchange for substantial financial investments, under Malta's Citizenship by Investment (CIP) scheme.

The report, which cites government data, highlights key individuals who were granted Maltese citizenship despite their controversial backgrounds:

• Albert Avdolyan: Sanctioned by the EU in February 2025, Avdolyan, who received Maltese citizenship in 2015, was granted passports for himself, his wife, and four children.

• Evgeniya Vladimirovna Bernova: Accused by the US of providing dual-use equipment to Russia via a Malta-based company, Bernova has defended her acquisition of Maltese citizenship as legally obtained through the Golden Passport program.

• Semen Kuksov: A convicted money launderer in the UK.

• Pavel Melnikov: Convicted of tax fraud in Finland, Melnikov is currently contesting the revocation of his Maltese citizenship, asserting that he adhered to all local laws.

These revelations have brought further scrutiny to Malta’s Golden Passport Program, which has faced persistent allegations of being involved in money laundering, corruption, and other irregular activities.

Controversy Surrounding Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Malta’s Citizenship by Investment scheme allows wealthy individuals to acquire citizenship by making significant investments in the country, including real estate, government bonds, or financial donations. However, the program has been criticized for enabling individuals with controversial backgrounds to secure Maltese passports, raising security concerns within the European Union.

Previously, the European Commission asserted that the CIP violates EU rules, particularly Article 30 and Article 4(3) of the European Union Constitution, which govern issues of citizenship and integrity. Despite these concerns, EU Advocate General Michael Collins has supported the legality of the Golden Passport Program, stating that EU member states retain the right to offer citizenship through investment schemes, provided they implement rigorous due diligence procedures.

Growing Calls for Reform

While some EU countries have already abolished their Golden Passport Programs following involvement in irregular affairs, Malta has continued to stand by its scheme. Didier Reynders, the EU Commissioner for Justice and Consumers, has condemned the practice, warning that it undermines European values and poses significant security risks.

Despite calls for reform, Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment program remains in operation, though it faces increasing scrutiny from both national and international authorities.

Ongoing Debate and Potential Reforms

As the Golden Passport program remains a topic of controversy, EU officials continue to examine its implications for security and governance. Malta’s commitment to maintaining the scheme underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between economic benefits and national security concerns, with key political figures both inside and outside of Malta pushing for reform in the face of growing public and institutional opposition.