Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the launch on Wednesday of a task force to pursue “corrupt Russian oligarchs” and those breaching sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
“The Justice Department will use all of its authorities to seize the assets of individuals and entities who violate these sanctions,” Mr Garland said in a statement announcing the launch of “Task Force KleptoCapture".
“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to investigate, arrest and prosecute those whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue this unjust war.
“Let me be clear: if you violate our laws, we will hold you accountable.”
The group’s creation is the latest sign of how the US and its allies are seeking to isolate Russia from the international financial system as President Vladimir Putin’s military presses forward in its war on Ukraine.
Amid international outrage over the war, pressure has been rising to seize the luxury assets of Russian oligarchs seen as lending support to Mr Putin.
US President Joe Biden, in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening, warned Russia's billionaires that the task force would “find and seize their yachts, their luxury apartments, their private jets".
“Tonight, I say to the Russian oligarchs and the corrupt leaders who’ve bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime: no more,” Mr Biden said.
Mr Garland said the task force would be made up of more than a dozen prosecutors from the National Security and Criminal Divisions of the Justice Department and assets from other law enforcement agencies.
“To those bolstering the Russian regime through corruption and sanctions evasion: we will deprive you of safe haven and hold you accountable,” said Lisa Monaco, the deputy attorney general.
“Oligarchs be warned: we will use every tool to freeze and seize your criminal proceeds.”
Agencies contributed to this report
-
The Empire State Building in New York lights up with the colours of Ukraine in a show of solidarity. Photo: Empire State Building -
Zac Haycock stands in front of the Utah State Capitol, which is lit in blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. AP -
The I-35W Bridge glows blue and yellow in support of the people of Ukraine in Minneapolis, Minnesota. EPA -
Demonstrators hold flags and a sign during a 'Stand with Ukraine' rally in front of the White House in Washington. Reuters -
Protesters gather at Town Square in Jackson, Wyoming, to show solidarity with Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. Several of the protesters were native Ukrainians with family in the country. AP -
People protest outside the UN in New York against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters -
US first lady Jill Biden wears a mask with a sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine. AFP -
An American flag unfurls off a pedicab as it glides past the Denver City/County Building, which is illuminated in yellow and blue in support of Ukraine. AP -
Kristina Ulyanenko protests the Russian attack on Ukraine at the state capitol in Austin, Texas. AP -
Flowers and messages are piled together outside the Ukrainian embassy in Washington. AP -
The Paramount Miami Worldcentre skyscraper in Florida lights up blue and yellow. Paramount Miami Worldcentre via AP -
A store in Lewiston, Maine, programmed its 11-metre light tower to dance through a series of blinking yellow and blue lights that eventually come together to form the colors of the flag of Ukraine. AP -
Joni Ernst, a Republican senator from Iowa, wears a brooch in the colours of Ukraine during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing at the US Capitol. EPA -
Protesters listen to speakers as they gather for a rally in support of Ukraine at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City. AP -
Dmytro Stasyshen of Ukraine holds a sign to protest the Russian invasion during a rally in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. AP -
Evergy Plaza in Topeka, Kansas, will be lit in blue and yellow lights. AP -
People dine inside Veselka restaurant where a Ukrainian flag hangs in the East Village in New York. AP
