New publication - Looting Mariupol: Russia’s use of illicit finance and economic crime in occupied Ukraine

Russia’s siege and destruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol from February to May 2022 turned the city into an international symbol of the brutality and destruction of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now, Russia is attempting to turn Mariupol into a showcase Russian city to legitimise its occupation of Ukrainian territory. A huge reconstruction programme is underway in the city, and Russia plans to make Mariupol the centre of a new transport network, which will ensure the resupply of Russian forces on the frontline and in Crimea.

This research paper investigates this Russian programme of investment in Mariupol, which has been accompanied by the illicit seizure of thousands of Ukrainian homes, businesses and assets. There have been widespread allegations of corruption, fraud and profiteering, and new Russian business networks are emerging that benefit from Russia’s wartime economy. These economic practices in many cases constitute criminal activities and may be potential war crimes. The paper details the key dynamics of Russia’s economic occupation of Mariupol and draws out possible policy implications for consideration.

This new publication by Olivia Allison and David Lewis is the latest under the ongoing SOC ACE research project, Illicit finance and Russian foreign policy: new dynamics and linkages. Find the new publication here and check out the project page for past papers and other publications.