By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Malta’s controversial “golden passport” program, allowing citizenship for investment, has granted passports to at least seven individuals subsequently sanctioned by the US, EU, or Ukraine for their ties to Russia’s war. This includes sanctioned Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan, who obtained citizenship in 2015. While at least one passport has been revoked following a criminal conviction, the program’s continued operation has prompted the European Commission to file a lawsuit against Malta, arguing it undermines the integrity of EU citizenship. The court ruling is pending.
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Malta’s alleged sale of “golden passports” to Russians sanctioned due to the Ukraine war, as reported by the Financial Times, is a deeply troubling revelation. It raises serious questions about Malta’s commitment to international sanctions and its overall integrity within the European Union.
The sheer audacity of potentially granting citizenship – and by extension, freedom of movement within the Schengen Area – to individuals facing sanctions for their involvement in a brutal conflict is shocking. This undermines the very purpose of sanctions, which are designed to isolate and pressure those responsible for violating international law.
The accusations are especially concerning given the history of corruption allegations surrounding Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme. Numerous accounts paint a picture of a system rife with potential abuse, where wealth seemingly overrides due diligence and ethical considerations. The suggestion that properties purchased as part of these deals remain unoccupied, yet are still used to facilitate the scheme, paints a vivid picture of the system’s flaws.
This isn’t just a matter of financial gain; it strikes at the heart of the EU’s integrity. The potential for individuals with ties to sanctioned entities to freely travel within the bloc poses a significant security risk and undermines the trust placed in the system by EU citizens. The comparison to Cyprus, which ended its similar program due to similar concerns, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue in Malta.
Furthermore, the implication that this practice goes beyond mere negligence, and potentially involves complicity among government officials who benefit directly or indirectly from the scheme, is deeply alarming. This adds an even more sinister dimension to the situation, transforming it from a potential oversight into an organized, profitable scheme.
The news underscores the need for a thorough and independent investigation into Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program. The EU should exert significant pressure to ensure that all passports granted to sanctioned individuals are revoked. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the trust placed in the EU by its member states and citizens.
The reports about the alleged involvement of private planes funneled through Malta to circumvent sanctions further amplify the gravity of the situation. It suggests the existence of a sophisticated network facilitating activities that directly contradict the EU’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. This warrants further investigation, as it indicates a level of organized evasion that transcends the simple sale of passports.
The fact that this scheme allegedly continues despite past investigations and negative publicity raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms within Malta. The death of a journalist investigating corruption in Malta casts a long shadow over this issue, highlighting the potential risks associated with uncovering the truth.
The EU’s response will be crucial in determining the future of such citizenship schemes within the bloc. While the EU may not always make perfect decisions, the importance of upholding the rule of law, enforcing international sanctions, and maintaining the integrity of its internal security systems cannot be overstated. Failure to effectively address these allegations would send a dangerous message, potentially emboldening similar practices elsewhere and eroding public trust. The call for a reevaluation of Malta’s position within the EU, while strong, is a necessary consequence of the severity of these allegations. The stakes are high, and decisive action is required.