Let’s put pressure on Putin’s cronies
Our response to Putin’s disgraceful invasion of Ukraine has shone a light on the UK’s weak policies over many years when it comes to Russian companies and oligarchs.
A number of these super-rich Kremlin associates have wormed themselves into positions of influence in Britain’s economy and politics.
The most high-profile case has been of the billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich.
This was only ended when the UK Government provided evidence that he was still closely linked to Putin last month.
There are examples here in Scotland too.
A 3,000 acre estate in Perthshire is owned by another billionaire, Vladimir Lisin.
He has been on the US Treasury’s “Putin List” since 2018.
Despite his wealth, the estate received £682,896 in public money via agricultural subsidy payments.
I recently asked the First Minister about the case of Mr Lisin.
Thankfully, she agreed to Green calls for an immediate review of Scotland’s agricultural payments system and all other relevant schemes.
This would ensure that no Russian oligarch or Kremlin associate receives a penny of public money here.
Standing with the people of Ukraine must mean putting maximum pressure on Putin’s cronies, wherever in the world they operate.
Until now there’s never been any legal obligation for a transparent register of who controls land in Scotland.
That register will open on April 1 but there’s no penalty for noncompliance until 2023.
This means that the names of people who control land, but don’t own it directly, will still be hidden from the public.
This is typically done by purchasing the land via a front company, usually based in a tax haven.
It is common knowledge that Russian oligarchs are amongst those who use this tactic when buying huge areas of land in Scotland.
The Scottish and UK Governments do have powers to investigate the wealth of those who are suspected to have ties to the Kremlin or to corruption in Russia.
For example, ‘Unexplained Wealth Orders’ can be placed on anyone doing business in the UK, forcing them to account for where their money came from.
We must make use of these powers wherever we can.
It is vital that the Scotland plays our part in the international sanctions effort aimed at the Kremlin and Putin’s wider circle of associates.
This effort is having an impact on the Russian elite and their war. Governments everywhere must continue to tighten the screws.