Russia has approved a law allowing for the seizure of Russian citizens' assets abroad for "anti-state activities"

On May 21, the Russian State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation recommended passing a bill in its second reading that would allow for the prosecution of Russian citizens abroad who engage in what the bill describes as “public actions against the foundations of the constitutional order and national security of the Russian Federation.” 

This was reported by Russian media. 

The initiative was introduced by the State Council of Tatarstan back in October 2024 and passed its first reading in May 2025. After revisions, the committee supported amendments that expand the list of actions that may be subject to prosecution.

This refers to a closed list of “criminal offenses,” including, in particular, violations of legislation on “foreign agents,” “abuse of freedom of the media,” calls for “extremism and terrorism,” as well as publicly equating the leadership of the USSR with Nazi Germany and other similar formulations.

The bill also provides for the possibility of applying a preventive measure in the form of the seizure of property belonging to Russians residing abroad, and the final decision on this, according to the amendments, is to be made by a court.

The State Duma is expected to consider the bill in its second reading on May 26.