Russia expands crackdown on overseas citizens

In late July 2026 the State Duma enacted the “Traitor law,” freezing bank accounts, blocking banking apps, redirecting income to a state‑run ruble account and denying consular services for Russians abroad deemed to evade penalties. A Justice Ministry registry, compiled from Interior Ministry, FSB and Prosecutor‑General data, tracks the designated persons instantly.

A June‑2026 surge in online searches for emigration routes hit all‑time highs – queries about visa‑free destinations, passport costs and exit permits rose by over 200 % from late‑2024 levels. The spike coincided with a fuel crisis, Ukrainian drone attacks and rumours of a new mobilisation, while passport‑office staff shortages hampered issuance. The FSB’s border service listed 8.9 million travel bans as of 1 January 2026, up 41 % year‑on‑year.

The Duma expanded the pool of individuals with criminal records eligible for defence contracts and updated civil‑defence rules for possible mobilisation. Concurrently it approved a package of more than ten new restrictions on Russians living abroad who are labelled critics or “foreign agents.” The measures strip consular assistance, block vehicle registration and real‑estate transactions, and allow frozen accounts to be used for court costs.

On 22 July a further bill was passed that revokes passports, freezes assets and bans property ownership for exiled opposition figures convicted of political offences. The law is expected to be signed by President Putin within days, intensifying the “civil death” described by human‑rights groups.

On 24 July another statute created an official “black list” for Russian citizens convicted abroad, imposing frozen accounts, loss of state services and denial of consular assistance, and barred foreign automakers from repurchasing assets sold in Russia.

Rights‑groups warn the combined legal framework erodes citizenship protections for dissenters and consolidates state control over the diaspora.