Criminal Liability Risks for Foreign Nationals in Russia and Turkey: What Businesspeople Need to Know (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Russia and Turkey both offer attractive opportunities for foreign investors, company founders, and expat professionals — but they also have criminal codes with strict enforcement, particularly in matters related to finance, contracts, and administrative compliance.

For foreigners, even routine legal mistakes can trigger investigations, travel restrictions, or reputational harm.

At RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we help EU, UK, and CIS clients assess risks, defend their rights, and respond proactively to potential exposure.

Key Risk Areas in Russia and Turkey

Area: Tax evasion

– Russia: Art. 198–199 УК РФ
– Turkey: TCK Art. 359–360

Area: Corporate fraud / breach of trust

– Russia: Art. 201 УК РФ
– Turkey: TCK Art. 155

Area: Unlicensed activity

– Russia: Art. 171 УК РФ
– Turkey: TCK Art. 227 / Immigration Law

Area: Bribery / commercial corruption

– Russia: Art. 291 УК РФ
– Turkey: TCK Art. 252

Area: Money laundering

– Russia: Art. 174 УК РФ
– Turkey: TCK Art. 282

Area: Violations by company directors

– Russia: Personal liability applies
– Turkey: Personal liability applies

Area: Immigration / work permit breaches

– Russia: Criminal / administrative
– Turkey: Criminal / administrative

Can a Foreigner Be Criminally Prosecuted?

Yes — both Russia and Turkey hold foreign nationals fully criminally liable, with no immunity based on nationality or residency.

Criminal proceedings may be triggered by:

Tax audits
Commercial litigation or competitor complaints
Customs or currency control reviews
Reports by business partners or employees
Regulatory inspections

In both countries, detention is possible at the pre-trial stage, especially if there's a flight risk.

Most Common Real-World Scenarios

Russia

A company director fails to pay taxes — later prosecuted personally under Art. 199 UK RF
Investor accused of "misappropriation" after shareholder dispute
Foreign entrepreneur signs contracts without proper license (Art. 171 UK RF)
Use of intermediary cash schemes leads to laundering accusations

Turkey

Expats working without proper visa status charged with unauthorized professional activity
Signing contracts for third-party projects without trade registration
Directors held liable for unpaid salaries or severance
Allegations of bribery or collusion in public tenders

RT-Union defends clients at investigation, indictment, and trial stages.

What to Do If You Are Accused or Under Investigation

Do not make statements without a lawyer — silence is a legal right
Do not attempt to leave the country — may trigger border alerts or be interpreted as escape
Engage legal counsel immediately — local + international coordination is key
Secure all corporate documentation and communications
Limit media or public disclosures — reputational risk matters

RT-Union provides urgent criminal defense services and strategic case response in both Russia and Turkey.

Preventive Compliance for Business Leaders

Use local accounting and payroll systems
Structure director authority carefully (e.g., dual signature schemes)
Document all payments, services, and contracts
Avoid cash or informal transactions
Consult before signing high-value or regulated contracts
Maintain clean immigration and labor records

We conduct criminal risk audits as part of company formation, M&A, and due diligence.

Case Example: British CEO Accused of Tax Evasion in Russia

A UK national operating a consulting firm in Moscow was charged under Art. 199 UK RF for underpaid taxes.

RT-Union:

Represented him before Investigative Committee
Filed tax amnesty and negotiated installment
Prevented travel ban and detention
Charges were dropped in exchange for full payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be detained as a foreign national in Russia or Turkey?
Yes — both countries allow pre-trial detention. Bail or house arrest may be negotiated based on case and cooperation.

What if I’m accused of a crime I didn’t commit?
We build your legal defense, challenge the evidence, and coordinate PR and diplomatic channels if necessary.

Are white-collar crimes punished severely?
Yes — they often lead to prison terms or large fines. Personal liability is high, even for indirect actions.

Can I appoint a lawyer from abroad?
No — criminal defense must be led by a licensed local attorney. RT-Union’s lawyers are registered in both Turkey and Russia.

Why Work with RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm

Licensed criminal defense in both Russia and Turkey
Corporate, tax, immigration, and compliance expertise
Emergency defense, detention response, and pre-trial representation
Discreet, multilingual support (ENG, RU, FR, DE, TR)
Cross-border coordination with family, consulates, and lawyers abroad

We don’t just provide legal support — we protect your freedom and your future.

Under Investigation or At Risk? Act Before It's Too Late.

🕊️ Accused in Russia or Turkey? Worried about potential exposure?

Let RT-Union build your defense and manage the process with professionalism and speed.

📞 Emergency case response available 24/7.

👉 Request Criminal Defense Assistance →