Serbia revoked Kadyrov's nephew's citizenship due to a security threat
Serbian authorities have revoked the citizenship of Yakub Zakriev, the nephew of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
This was reported by the Serbian publication Nedeljnik.
The government document does not directly name the individual—it mentions only the registration number under which the passport was issued. At the same time, the decision states that this person poses “a threat to human life and health, public safety, order, and peace.”
The basis for revoking citizenship was a law that allows for the revocation of passports in cases where there is a serious and immediate threat to security.
Previously, Serbian authorities explained the granting of citizenship to Zakriev as being in the “interests of the Republic of Serbia,” without disclosing details. He received his passport through a simplified procedure—without the requirement to reside in the country or renounce other citizenship.
Yakub Zakriev is a relative of Ramzan Kadyrov and has held a number of positions in Chechnya, including mayor of Grozny, head of the administration, deputy prime minister, and minister of agriculture. In 2023, he was appointed head of the Russian division of Danone after the business was transferred to the control of Kadyrov’s inner circle.
He is currently subject to sanctions by the United States and the United Kingdom. Following a journalistic investigation, Serbian authorities reviewed the decision to grant him citizenship.
The article also notes that Serbia has actively used the mechanism of granting citizenship “in the interests of the state,” and since 2022, more than 200 Russian citizens, including representatives of government agencies and big business, have received passports through a simplified procedure.
Earlier it was reported that Yakub Zakriev, the nephew of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, received Serbian citizenship. The relevant decree was signed by the country’s Prime Minister, Džuro Matsu.
Earlier, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov received a new award—an order for his contribution to the development of Russia’s cement industry. This is yet another honor in his extensive collection, which has long raised questions due to its diversity.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov received the medal “For Contribution to the Development of Science.”
