Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan, sanctioned by the EU for Russia’s war in Ukraine, circumvents travel bans with a Maltese passport obtained through a controversial golden visa scheme. Malta remains the last EU country offering citizenship for sale, facing legal challenges from the European Commission, which argues the scheme undermines EU citizenship integrity. Despite scrutiny, individuals including politically exposed figures have acquired Maltese citizenship, raising concerns over corruption, as such schemes are criticized for their potential to facilitate illicit activities.
