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EU Court Allows Freezing Russian Assets Held in Trusts

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

EU Court of Justice ruled on May 21, 2026 that assets linked to sanctioned Russians can be frozen when held through trusts.
The ruling arose from three cases filed by an Italian court involving companies and a yacht.
The court said ownership and control include power or influence over assets regardless of a legal link.
The decision aims to prevent sanction circumvention and limit transactions with frozen assets.

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Story summary

EU Court of Justice ruled on May 21, 2026 that assets linked to sanctioned Russians can be frozen when held through trusts.
The ruling arose from three cases filed by an Italian court involving companies and a yacht.
The court said ownership and control include power or influence over assets regardless of a legal link.
The decision aims to prevent sanction circumvention and limit transactions with frozen assets.