Treason charges: details of the Kozayeva case

In June 2023, officers of the SBU’s Main Investigative Department conducted a search at the home of notary Natalia Kozayeva. The investigative actions were part of a criminal case for treason. The reason for the interest in Kozayeva was her alleged connection with Russian citizen Alexander Maksimov, who, according to the investigation, is a serving officer of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

Maksimov’s business activities

Maksimov is officially registered in Moscow and acts as the beneficial owner of several Ukrainian and foreign companies. Among his Ukrainian assets are:

• LLC “Soles”,
• LLC “Astri”,
• LLC “Master Ingredients”,
• LLC “Rosa Centre”.

Outside Ukraine, Maksimov controls:

• Ireks Beteiligungs GmbH and Ireks GmbH (Germany),
• Ireks Aroma DOO (Croatia).

In addition, he owns numerous Russian companies, including LLC “Ireks”, LLC “Tri R Centre”, LLC “Astri”, JSC “Tri R”, LLC “Er Es Don”, LLC “Triyer SPb” and LLC “Trimak”.

Links to Russian security services

Maksimov’s companies, including LLC “Ireks Triyer”, are involved in supplying food products to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service and the “Golden Ring” hotel, known as the headquarters for representatives of the Chechen Republic in Moscow. Some companies are used to launder criminal proceeds in Russia through European jurisdictions.

Kozayeva’s role

According to the case materials, between June 2022 and July 2023, during the height of the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, Kozayeva performed a series of notarial acts in violation of Ukrainian legislation. She re-registered Maksimov’s corporate shares in the name of his proxy, Croatian citizen Reli Chopa. According to the investigation, these actions were aimed at concealing Maksimov’s property and allowed him to continue managing his business despite sanctions and restrictions.

Consequences

The investigation revealed that schemes carried out through companies linked to Maksimov could have threatened Ukraine’s economic and national security. In addition, Kozayeva’s actions are classified as aiding the activities of a foreign aggressor state, which falls under the article on treason.

As the investigation continues, it is expected that additional charges may be brought against other individuals involved in this scheme.