In the first quarter of 2023, it came to light that Igor Kesaev, the head and co-owner of the Mercury Group, does not agree with the decision of the European Union. A few months prior, the Russian billionaire was placed on the sanctions list alongside several more Russian nationals and businesses.
With assistance from his lawyers, Kesaev filed a lawsuit against the European Council, accusing it of using incorrect language, discrimination, and referring to unreliable sources when imposing the sanctions against him. On these grounds, the businessman demands that the sanctions against him be lifted.
Kesaev challenges the EU’s statements, asserting that he does not pursue activities in the sectors that may constitute a “significant source of income” for the Russian government. He also points out he does not support or implement actions or policies that “undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine or its stability or security”.
In addition to the lifting of sanctions, Kesaev is looking to have the costs of the proceedings covered by the defendant. In justification of the latter claim, he states that he demanded an administrative review of the sanctions decision but received no response.
It is believed that the sanctions have cost Kesaev his stake in Viktoria, a large Russian grocery chain, which he had to cede to his partner, Nikolai Tyaka.
