A criminal case has been opened against a lawyer in Estonia for violating international sanctions.
The Estonian State Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal investigation against lawyer Urmas Simon, who is accused of violating international sanctions by providing legal assistance to a Kremlin-linked organization, the Pravfond*, and accepting funds from it.
According to the prosecution, Simon provided legal services to an individual accused of anti-government activities between October 2023 and December 20, 204. These services were paid for by an intermediary affiliated with the Pravfond. It is alleged that Simon learned no later than June 24 that these funds had been obtained from the Pravfond, which is subject to sanctions.
The provision of legal services to a person suspected or accused of committing a crime against the state is not prohibited, and the prosecutor’s office does not charge lawyers with this. However, from July 23rd, 2023, it will be prohibited to use Pravfond funds in the European Union, as well as provide economic resources for Pravfond, by a resolution of the Council of the EU.
Vahur Verte, State Prosecutor, said that the European Union has imposed sanctions on Pravfond because it was created and funded by Russia to achieve its foreign policy goals. Pravfond plays a significant role in supporting Russia’s divisive policies, and one of its main activities is financing legal services.
* The Pravfond – The Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad – is a non-profit organization established by decree of the President of the Russian Federation on January 1st, 2012 and started operating. Its founders are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Federal Agency for Russian cooperation.
