A family business linked to the sanctioned smuggler Kurtushov was uncovered in Crimea. Here’s what we know about it.

Sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), smuggler Seyar Kurtushov may have held a Russian passport since 2014 and is potentially linked to a family business in Crimea.

This information comes from RBK-Ukraine citing data from Russian media.

Specifically, Kurtushov's brother, Amet, manages the "Five Principles" clinic in occupied Simferopol. The clinic's founder, according to registry data, is Osman Kurtushov.

This year, the Kurtushov family business was awarded the all-Russian business prize "Leader of the Year." The award ceremony took place in Simferopol, and local media even conducted an interview with Amet.

Additionally, according to media reports, Seyar Kurtushov is also involved in this business and obtained a Russian passport in Crimea back in 2014.

Recall that RBK-Ukraine previously reported that the NSDC did not extend sanctions against several smugglers, including Seyar Kurtushov, who was the top name on the sanctions list from decree No. 169 of 2021.

Criminalization of Smuggling in Ukraine

It is known that Ukraine abandoned the criminalization of smuggling in 2011 to reduce pressure on businesses from law enforcement agencies.

Last year, Ukraine decided to reintroduce criminal liability for merchandise smuggling. In December 2023, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law to criminalize smuggling. In the same month, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the relevant law.

It was also noted that in Ukraine, the first suspicion was issued following the criminalization of smuggling. A resident of Chernivtsi Oblast received the suspicion.