Oligarch Vagit Alekperov owns commercial real estate in the Netherlands worth at least 4.8 million euros. Britain is not on the sanctions list, Russia is not on the European Union’s list. Sanctions experts describe such differences between lists as risky.
Alekperov, together with his wife and son, owns the Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts. Through this company he owns seven plots of land in Oss and Winterswijk. As co-owner of the Russian oil producer Lukoil, it is located on nineteen Limburg plots, including pumping stations.
His role in Lukoil was the reason why the British approved Alekperov on April 13. Vagit Yusufovich Alekperov is chairman of the board of directors of Lukoil, Russia’s second largest oil producer. It is very important “for sectors of strategic importance to the Russian government, namely the Russian oil sector”.
And that is probably the reason why the man with a wealth of 9.8 billion euros is not on the EU sanctions list, according to lawyer Helene via de Linden. “European member states still desperately need Lukoil and the Russian energy sector. I also understand that Lukoil has a good lobby in Brussels.”
Professor Bertjan Verbeek also states that the UK as a whole takes a clearer stance than the EU. “They want to see themselves as a leading state in international politics after Brexit,” explains the Groningen professor of international relations. “It is also possible because they are less dependent on Russian energy sources thanks to North Sea oil.”
The European Commission would not say exactly what factors played a role in the EU’s listing of someone. “The preparation, discussion and registration process is confidential,” a spokesperson said by email. “The main criterion for sanctions is violation of EU interests, international law or human rights.” The spokesperson is keeping the option open that Alekperov can be added to the list at a later date.
He also notes that extensive consultations have been held with the British about the establishment of the list. “It makes sense,” says Over de Linden, who was promoted under sanctions after the invasion of Crimea. “Such differences are very confusing and create uncertainty. It helps to avoid sanctions.”
Sanctions should encourage individuals or companies to change their undesirable behaviour. In this case, the sanctions should also cause discontent in Putin’s political and financial circles. By coordinating sanctions, countries prevent sanctioned individuals from enjoying their property elsewhere, making them less likely to change their behavior.
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We would like to see Turkey implement all sanctions.
It is all the more remarkable that the EU still leaves gaps in its sanctions list, as European leaders urged other countries to introduce EU sanctions so as not to become a haven for sanctioned Russians. Prime Minister Rutte told Reuters news agency last month: “We want Turkey to implement all sanctions.”
A week after the British measures, the oligarch resigned from his position at Lukoil. In addition, Alekperov reduced his stake in the company to 8.5%. He previously owned more than 28% of the shares. He and his family still own Dutch Heesen Yachts.
Source: NOS
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