Russia Pursues Assets of Jewish Oligarchs in Israel

Russian authorities have initiated 22 legal proceedings against Jewish individuals who immigrated to Israel from Russia, aiming to seize their remaining assets. The total value of the disputed property is estimated at a minimum of 2 billion rubles, approximately $70 million USD. These actions are reportedly based on a 2018 agreement that allows Israel to recognize Russian court judgments and bankruptcy rulings across borders.

While the United States and European nations have ceased cooperation with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Israeli courts are technically implementing these recognitions, often in absentia. Israeli Ministry of Justice officials have stated they are unable to intervene.

Among those targeted is Boris Spiegel, a former senior Russian senator convicted of bribery and later released due to medical reasons, who now resides in Savion, Israel. Spiegel faces a claim of 202 million rubles intended to seize his villa, part of a proceeding against his ex-wife. His attorney, Mark Kanyevsky, stated that Spiegel is subject to severe restrictions preventing any action regarding the property and is demanding the Ministry of Justice urgently suspend the relevant law.

Another defendant, Eduard Kabakov from Bat Yam, is facing a lawsuit for approximately $9 million USD from a Russian insurance company, based on documents he claims bear a forged signature. Kabakov noted that although the lawsuit was dismissed in Russia, the parallel proceeding to seize his apartment in Israel continues.

A senior Israeli minister acknowledged that Israel is unique among Western nations in permitting these actions, suggesting Russia is exploiting this to impoverish individuals it disfavors. The Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs declined to comment.