Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to Russian citizens, advising them to be “extremely cautious” when making travel plans outside of the country. This caution stems from the “potential danger” of being “arrested and extradited to the US” by the host countries.
Today, the ministry reiterated its warning to “thoroughly consider” the “potential risks” before organizing overseas trips or choosing to stay in specific countries, according to a statement provided to the Russian media.
The ministry stated that Russian citizens may face the possibility of “being captured or taken into custody” based on the request of US law enforcement agencies or specialized services. Moscow also reminded its would-be-tourists that the United States has extradition treaties with over one hundred countries worldwide, including Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, and Israel, that are frequented by Russian holidaymakers.
Certain EU restrictions on importing personal belongings and entering the bloc in cars with Russian license plates have prompted complaints from Russian travelers, according to the ministry. These import restrictions are a result of Western sanctions imposed on Russia over the war of aggression waged by Putin’s regime against neighboring Ukraine.
Foreign ministry officials emphasized the importance of Russian citizens being aware that once they travel abroad, they willingly subject themselves to the jurisdiction of foreign countries, which means they are obligated to adhere to the respective local laws and regulations.
Putin’s officials have frequently frightened Russian citizens with scary tales about the possibility of their “kidnapping” and extradition to the United States from specific nations, with those who have been “abducted” by the US often encountering an “exceedingly unfair” trial within American jurisdiction.
In recent years, the US has successfully secured the extradition of multiple Russian criminals from foreign countries, with notable examples being businessman Viktor Bout and pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
In 2008, a Tajik-born Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was arrested in Thailand and extradited to the US two years later. In the United States, he was found guilty of arms trafficking and received a 25-year prison sentence.
Konstantin Yaroshenko was arrested in 2011 in Liberia, a country with a US extradition treaty, on drug smuggling charges. He was later convicted and sentenced in US court.