Criminal Law
Over the past 20 years, our team has successfully handled some of the most complex and high-profile criminal cases in Russia. Today, the professionalism of our criminal law practice is confirmed by the most prestigious Russian and international awards and, most importantly, the feedback of our clients – the majority of whom were referred to us by other satisfied clients.
We specialize in defending accused persons and representing victims in the following categories of cases:
economic crimes, including: fraud, embezzlement, property damage caused by deception or abuse of trust, illegal banking activities, money laundering, illegal receipt or disclosure of confidential, protected, or secret information; crimes involving the financial markets; evasion of customs payments; illegal actions in bankruptcy; deliberate, fictitious bankruptcy; tax crimes; abuse of authority, commercial bribery;
criminal collusion and conspiracy (Article 210 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation);
cases related to construction/industrial production/transport activities, including environmental crimes;
crimes in the field of IT;
crimes involving corruption.
"The client-oriented team of Koblev & partners lawyers has a very strong base for defending clients in white-collar criminal cases and is also an excellent law firm for resolving complex corporate disputes".
The Legal 500 EMEA, 2016
Related practices:
"Strengths of the team are proactivity, reliability and knowledge of the law. Key team capabilities are ability to qualitatively resolve complex corporate conflicts, which include criminal cases and commercial (corporate) disputes".
The Legal 500 EMEA, 2020
"Notable criminal defence-focused team. Regularly defends individuals investigated for alleged involvement in financial crime, concerning fraud, tax evasion and embezzlement. Cases often relate to construction projects. Also defends individuals in corruption as well as corporate theft investigations and corporate conflicts. Offers notable experience in defending in alleged bribery cases. Clientele includes prominent business people, well-known private individuals and political figures".
Chambers Europe, 2021
"People from the team are distinguished by high professionalism, reliability, punctuality and decency. I would like to mention Ruslan Koblev, who wins in the courts due to his excellent knowledge of laws and charisma. Ruslan Zakalyuzhny is a master of judicial debate".
Our Attorneys:
have unique experience in conducting the most complex criminal cases, including those which are "politically motivated", as well as cases at the preliminary investigation stage;
have experience in all federal districts in the territory of the Russian Federation, not to mention a wealth of international experience, including cases in Poland, Serbia, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Indonesia, UAE, Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Ghana, South Africa, and others;
effectively manage cases of any complexity, including challenging projects that require the involvement of specialists in a variety of fields, including civil law, corporate construction, bankruptcy, taxes, auditing, forensic examination, and media and public relations;
are highly esteemed in the legal and professional community and are recognized year after year as leaders of the profession from the authors of the most authoritative domestic (Pravo300, Kommersant) and foreign (The Legal500, The Chambers, Best Lawyers) studies and surveys.
The Legal 500 EMEA, 2021
Chambers Europe, 2016
"One of the strongest defense teams for white-collar crimes in the Russian market".
Key contacts:
Defence of Suspects (accused)
The attorneys at Koblev & partners have extensive experience in defending accused persons at every stage in the criminal process from the arrest and initial investigation to the trial and post trial appeals process.
Our partners have participated in some of the most complex and most high-profile criminal cases in modern Russia. The geography of these projects spans the whole of Russia and includes all federal districts.
Our professional team is able to thoroughly study all the facts related to the charges against the client in a short time and develop the legally and strategically optimal line of defense, considering the specific circumstances.
In addition, we are ready to help devise a strategy for the actions of the client, his or her family, and members of the business team in order to overcome the crisis.
Our partners have participated in some of the most complex and most high-profile criminal cases in modern Russia. The geography of these projects spans the whole of Russia and includes all federal districts.
Our professional team is able to thoroughly study all the facts related to the charges against the client in a short time and develop the legally and strategically optimal line of defense, considering the specific circumstances.
In addition, we are ready to help devise a strategy for the actions of the client, his or her family, and members of the business team in order to overcome the crisis.
Representation of Victims in Criminal Cases and Civil Plaintiffs
In recent years, the representation of victims in criminal proceedings has become a separate area of legal work.
Often, victims of crime fail to effectively protect their rights, relying on the law enforcement system to function properly. This rarely happens and very often the rights of the victim are neglected or ignored entirely. Our attorneys have achieved remarkable success in protecting victim rights, by directing the attention of the authorities, the media, and human rights activists to the facts of the case, as a result of which investigations are often expanded or referred to a superior investigative agency.
In addition, our team has an impressive track record of tracing and recovering stolen assets, including those located in foreign jurisdictions.
At every stage of the process, our team, in addition to providing legal assistance, advises the injured parties on how to conduct themselves, both publicly and privately, during the crisis situation.
Often, victims of crime fail to effectively protect their rights, relying on the law enforcement system to function properly. This rarely happens and very often the rights of the victim are neglected or ignored entirely. Our attorneys have achieved remarkable success in protecting victim rights, by directing the attention of the authorities, the media, and human rights activists to the facts of the case, as a result of which investigations are often expanded or referred to a superior investigative agency.
In addition, our team has an impressive track record of tracing and recovering stolen assets, including those located in foreign jurisdictions.
At every stage of the process, our team, in addition to providing legal assistance, advises the injured parties on how to conduct themselves, both publicly and privately, during the crisis situation.
Pre-investigation Checks
The main task of the pre-investigation check is to collect evidence sufficient to initiate a criminal case. During the pre-investigation check, law enforcement agencies have the right to request explanations of people involved, to seize or order the turnover of documents and objects, to order a forensic examination, and to demand the turnover of internal financial documents and business records.
Our lawyers provide assistance during the pre-investigative check phase by:
– analyzing the reasons for getting the entity (person) in the field of vision of law enforcement agencies;
– developing a legal position, enlisting, if necessary, additional specialists (experts, auditors, appraisers, etc.);
– helping prepare responses to all law enforcement requests, which often includes, explaining in detail to employees their rights and obligations, as well as accompanying them during visits to law enforcement agencies.
Our lawyers provide assistance during the pre-investigative check phase by:
– analyzing the reasons for getting the entity (person) in the field of vision of law enforcement agencies;
– developing a legal position, enlisting, if necessary, additional specialists (experts, auditors, appraisers, etc.);
– helping prepare responses to all law enforcement requests, which often includes, explaining in detail to employees their rights and obligations, as well as accompanying them during visits to law enforcement agencies.
Assessment of Criminal Law Risks
In most cases, early work to identify and minimize criminal risks, along with the implementation of the recommendations of lawyers, allows businesses to avoid problems with law enforcement agencies.
Most frequently, we advise entrepreneurs on the following topics related to the identification and minimization of criminal law risks:
– analysis of the corporate structure, including diagramming financial and economic activities (delineation of powers, identification of relationships in decision-making, building a "wall" between shareholders and top management, tax risks);
– analysis of upcoming and completed transactions;
– analysis of interaction with the state (supply of goods/ work performance as it relates to state needs), work with state corporations, receipt of state subsidies);
– preparation of legal opinions on the issues raised.
Most frequently, we advise entrepreneurs on the following topics related to the identification and minimization of criminal law risks:
– analysis of the corporate structure, including diagramming financial and economic activities (delineation of powers, identification of relationships in decision-making, building a "wall" between shareholders and top management, tax risks);
– analysis of upcoming and completed transactions;
– analysis of interaction with the state (supply of goods/ work performance as it relates to state needs), work with state corporations, receipt of state subsidies);
– preparation of legal opinions on the issues raised.
Asset Recovery
Our team has considerable experience in investigating and thwarting illegal asset withdrawal schemes, corporate raids, and violations of anti-corruption requirements and principles. To achieve this, we identify illegal actions, search for and record evidence, work with staff and other potential witnesses, assess the cause of damages and, if necessary, prepare materials for submission to law enforcement agencies.
We also help to plan and implement further steps to represent the interests of victims within the preliminary investigation and in court, search for assets around the world for the reimbursement of damages (by various means, including filing civil claims, initiating bankruptcy procedures and foreclosing on assets abroad). Among the firm's business partners are leading law and audit firms in the UK and the US, which have world-renowned expertise in protecting companies affected by the misconduct of top management and shareholders.
We also help to plan and implement further steps to represent the interests of victims within the preliminary investigation and in court, search for assets around the world for the reimbursement of damages (by various means, including filing civil claims, initiating bankruptcy procedures and foreclosing on assets abroad). Among the firm's business partners are leading law and audit firms in the UK and the US, which have world-renowned expertise in protecting companies affected by the misconduct of top management and shareholders.
Extradition
Our team has extensive experience in cases involving criminal extradition.
We handle all aspects of the case ourselves, including:
– selection of the best law firm in the country or territory from which extradition to Russia is requested;
– analysis of the criminal charge, which is the basis for the requested extradition and also analyzing all defenses to the charge and to extradition generally.
– cooperation with foreign lawyers on issues of Russian substantive and procedural law, providing legal opinions on any issues raised;
– analysis of the risks involved with extradition and the seizure of assets, and the development of various contingency plans.
In addition, we have in-depth experience representing the interests of victims within extradition proceedings.
We handle all aspects of the case ourselves, including:
– selection of the best law firm in the country or territory from which extradition to Russia is requested;
– analysis of the criminal charge, which is the basis for the requested extradition and also analyzing all defenses to the charge and to extradition generally.
– cooperation with foreign lawyers on issues of Russian substantive and procedural law, providing legal opinions on any issues raised;
– analysis of the risks involved with extradition and the seizure of assets, and the development of various contingency plans.
In addition, we have in-depth experience representing the interests of victims within extradition proceedings.
The attorneys at Koblev&Partners have extensive experience in defending accused persons at every stage in the criminal process from the arrest and initial investigation to the trial and post trial appeals process.
Our partners have participated in some of the most complex and most high-profile criminal cases in modern Russia. The geography of these projects spans the whole of Russia and includes all federal districts.
Our professional team is able to thoroughly study all the facts related to the charges against the client in a short time and develop the legally and strategically optimal line of defense, considering the specific circumstances.
In addition, we are ready to help devise a strategy for the actions of the client, his or her family, and members of the business team in order to overcome the crisis.
Our partners have participated in some of the most complex and most high-profile criminal cases in modern Russia. The geography of these projects spans the whole of Russia and includes all federal districts.
Our professional team is able to thoroughly study all the facts related to the charges against the client in a short time and develop the legally and strategically optimal line of defense, considering the specific circumstances.
In addition, we are ready to help devise a strategy for the actions of the client, his or her family, and members of the business team in order to overcome the crisis.
In recent years, the representation of victims in criminal proceedings has become a separate area of legal work.
Often, victims of crime fail to effectively protect their rights, relying on the law enforcement system to function properly. This rarely happens and very often the rights of the victim are neglected or ignored entirely. Our attorneys have achieved remarkable success in protecting victim rights, by directing the attention of the authorities, the media, and human rights activists to the facts of the case, as a result of which investigations are often expanded or referred to a superior investigative agency.
In addition, our team has an impressive track record of tracing and recovering stolen assets, including those located in foreign jurisdictions.
At every stage of the process, our team, in addition to providing legal assistance, advises the injured parties on how to conduct themselves, both publicly and privately, during the crisis situation.
Often, victims of crime fail to effectively protect their rights, relying on the law enforcement system to function properly. This rarely happens and very often the rights of the victim are neglected or ignored entirely. Our attorneys have achieved remarkable success in protecting victim rights, by directing the attention of the authorities, the media, and human rights activists to the facts of the case, as a result of which investigations are often expanded or referred to a superior investigative agency.
In addition, our team has an impressive track record of tracing and recovering stolen assets, including those located in foreign jurisdictions.
At every stage of the process, our team, in addition to providing legal assistance, advises the injured parties on how to conduct themselves, both publicly and privately, during the crisis situation.
The main task of the pre-investigation check is to collect evidence sufficient to initiate a criminal case. During the pre-investigation check, law enforcement agencies have the right to request explanations of people involved, to seize or order the turnover of documents and objects, to order a forensic examination, and to demand the turnover of internal financial documents and business records.
Our lawyers provide assistance during the pre-investigative check phase by:
– analyzing the reasons for getting the entity (person) in the field of vision of law enforcement agencies;
– developing a legal position, enlisting, if necessary, additional specialists (experts, auditors, appraisers, etc.);
– helping prepare responses to all law enforcement requests, which often includes, explaining in detail to employees their rights and obligations, as well as accompanying them during visits to law enforcement agencies.
Our lawyers provide assistance during the pre-investigative check phase by:
– analyzing the reasons for getting the entity (person) in the field of vision of law enforcement agencies;
– developing a legal position, enlisting, if necessary, additional specialists (experts, auditors, appraisers, etc.);
– helping prepare responses to all law enforcement requests, which often includes, explaining in detail to employees their rights and obligations, as well as accompanying them during visits to law enforcement agencies.
In most cases, early work to identify and minimize criminal risks, along with the implementation of the recommendations of lawyers, allows businesses to avoid problems with law enforcement agencies.
Most frequently, we advise entrepreneurs on the following topics related to the identification and minimization of criminal law risks:
– analysis of the corporate structure, including diagramming financial and economic activities (delineation of powers, identification of relationships in decision-making, building a "wall" between shareholders and top management, tax risks);
– analysis of upcoming and completed transactions;
– analysis of interaction with the state (supply of goods/ work performance as it relates to state needs), work with state corporations, receipt of state subsidies);
– preparation of legal opinions on the issues raised.
Most frequently, we advise entrepreneurs on the following topics related to the identification and minimization of criminal law risks:
– analysis of the corporate structure, including diagramming financial and economic activities (delineation of powers, identification of relationships in decision-making, building a "wall" between shareholders and top management, tax risks);
– analysis of upcoming and completed transactions;
– analysis of interaction with the state (supply of goods/ work performance as it relates to state needs), work with state corporations, receipt of state subsidies);
– preparation of legal opinions on the issues raised.
Our team has considerable experience in investigating and thwarting illegal asset withdrawal schemes, corporate raids, and violations of anti-corruption requirements and principles. To achieve this, we identify illegal actions, search for and record evidence, work with staff and other potential witnesses, assess the cause of damages and, if necessary, prepare materials for submission to law enforcement agencies.
We also help to plan and implement further steps to represent the interests of victims within the preliminary investigation and in court, search for assets around the world for the reimbursement of damages (by various means, including filing civil claims, initiating bankruptcy procedures and foreclosing on assets abroad). Among the firm's business partners are leading law and audit firms in the UK and the US, which have world-renowned expertise in protecting companies affected by the misconduct of top management and shareholders.
We also help to plan and implement further steps to represent the interests of victims within the preliminary investigation and in court, search for assets around the world for the reimbursement of damages (by various means, including filing civil claims, initiating bankruptcy procedures and foreclosing on assets abroad). Among the firm's business partners are leading law and audit firms in the UK and the US, which have world-renowned expertise in protecting companies affected by the misconduct of top management and shareholders.
Our team has extensive experience in cases involving criminal extradition.
We handle all aspects of the case ourselves, including:
– selection of the best law firm in the country or territory from which extradition to Russia is requested;
– analysis of the criminal charge, which is the basis for the requested extradition and also analyzing all defenses to the charge and to extradition generally.
– cooperation with foreign lawyers on issues of Russian substantive and procedural law, providing legal opinions on any issues raised;
– analysis of the risks involved with extradition and the seizure of assets, and the development of various contingency plans.
In addition, we have in-depth experience representing the interests of victims within extradition proceedings.
We handle all aspects of the case ourselves, including:
– selection of the best law firm in the country or territory from which extradition to Russia is requested;
– analysis of the criminal charge, which is the basis for the requested extradition and also analyzing all defenses to the charge and to extradition generally.
– cooperation with foreign lawyers on issues of Russian substantive and procedural law, providing legal opinions on any issues raised;
– analysis of the risks involved with extradition and the seizure of assets, and the development of various contingency plans.
In addition, we have in-depth experience representing the interests of victims within extradition proceedings.
Best Lawyers – Criminal Defence (2017-2021).
Chambers Europe – Dispute Resolution: Corporate Crime (2016-2021).
The Legal 500 EMEA – White Collar Crime (2019-2021).
Forbes Club Legal Research - Criminal Defence (2021-2022).
Pravo300 – Criminal Law, group 1 (2015-2022).
Pravo300 – Personally Recommended Specialists / Criminal law (2023, 2024)
Kommersant – Individual Rating of Lawyers / Criminal Law Top-10 (2015-2017).
Kommersant – Rating of Law Firms / Criminal Law (2015-2017, 2019-2021).
Kommersant – Individual Rating of the Leading Lawyers / Criminal Law (2019-2020, 2023-2024).
Kommersant – Criminal Law: White Collar Crime, group 1 (2023-2024)
Kommersant – Criminal Law: Economic Crime, group 1 (2023-2024)
Chambers Europe – Dispute Resolution: Corporate Crime (2016-2021).
The Legal 500 EMEA – White Collar Crime (2019-2021).
Forbes Club Legal Research - Criminal Defence (2021-2022).
Pravo300 – Criminal Law, group 1 (2015-2022).
Pravo300 – Personally Recommended Specialists / Criminal law (2023, 2024)
Kommersant – Individual Rating of Lawyers / Criminal Law Top-10 (2015-2017).
Kommersant – Rating of Law Firms / Criminal Law (2015-2017, 2019-2021).
Kommersant – Individual Rating of the Leading Lawyers / Criminal Law (2019-2020, 2023-2024).
Kommersant – Criminal Law: White Collar Crime, group 1 (2023-2024)
Kommersant – Criminal Law: Economic Crime, group 1 (2023-2024)
Koblev&Partners have handled numerous cases related to the following sectors of business and industry:
– banking activities
– public administration
– industrial construction and development
– fuel and energy complex
– agriculture
– medical activities
– IT
– FMCG
– banking activities
– public administration
– industrial construction and development
– fuel and energy complex
– agriculture
– medical activities
– IT
– FMCG
Representation of Victim`s Interests :
– representing the interests of shareholders of a large holding company in the fuel and energy sector as victims in a criminal case of embezzlement in the amount exceeding 40 billion rubles, recovery of stolen assets;
– representing the interests of an international resource extracting company in a case involving embezzlement of funds by top management;
– representing a major retailer in a case involving fraud committed by a group of consumers;
– representing the interests of the largest international company in a case involving the theft of confidential information;
– representing patient interests in cases involving medical malpractice.
Defence of the Accused:
– defense of the head of the subject of the federation on charges of embezzlement, and official malfeasance;
– defense of the Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation against corruption charges;
– defense of the head of the Russian branch of an international holding company on charges of tax evasion in the amount of 2 billion rubles;
– defense of the chairman of the governing board and beneficiaries of Russia's largest commercial bank against numerous embezzlement charges, which case included legal assistance related to an extradition request by the Russian authorities to obtain an accused person from a foreign state;
– defense of the owner of a large construction company on charges of embezzlement of funds in an amount exceeding 16 billion rubles;
– defense of a shareholder of a large construction company accused of embezzling more than 3 billion rubles in the performance of a state contract;
– defense of the head of one of the world's largest energy companies against charges of abuse of power;
– defense of several top managers of the largest Russian energy company against accusations of committing a crime on the territory of a foreign state;
– defense of employees of the largest Russian company against charges of violating safety rules resulting in the death of more than two persons.
– representing the interests of shareholders of a large holding company in the fuel and energy sector as victims in a criminal case of embezzlement in the amount exceeding 40 billion rubles, recovery of stolen assets;
– representing the interests of an international resource extracting company in a case involving embezzlement of funds by top management;
– representing a major retailer in a case involving fraud committed by a group of consumers;
– representing the interests of the largest international company in a case involving the theft of confidential information;
– representing patient interests in cases involving medical malpractice.
Defence of the Accused:
– defense of the head of the subject of the federation on charges of embezzlement, and official malfeasance;
– defense of the Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation against corruption charges;
– defense of the head of the Russian branch of an international holding company on charges of tax evasion in the amount of 2 billion rubles;
– defense of the chairman of the governing board and beneficiaries of Russia's largest commercial bank against numerous embezzlement charges, which case included legal assistance related to an extradition request by the Russian authorities to obtain an accused person from a foreign state;
– defense of the owner of a large construction company on charges of embezzlement of funds in an amount exceeding 16 billion rubles;
– defense of a shareholder of a large construction company accused of embezzling more than 3 billion rubles in the performance of a state contract;
– defense of the head of one of the world's largest energy companies against charges of abuse of power;
– defense of several top managers of the largest Russian energy company against accusations of committing a crime on the territory of a foreign state;
– defense of employees of the largest Russian company against charges of violating safety rules resulting in the death of more than two persons.
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