Criminalization of Bankruptcy Procedures and Misuse of Extradition Tools: The Case of Yury Sazonov (Master Dossier)

This Master Dossier summarizes and systematizes the factual and legal elements of the case of Yury Sazonov (born 17 April 1961), concerning extradition proceedings initiated at the request of the Russian Federation in connection with criminal prosecution under Part 2 of Article 201 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“abuse of authority resulting in grave consequences”). The dossier frames the matter as an instance of the criminalization of business and bankruptcy-related activity, where an economic and insolvency context is retroactively re-characterized as a criminal offence and subsequently escalated through international cooperation instruments. The dossier highlights key legal features including: (i) the lack of the qualifying “subject of the offence” under Article 201 CC RF due to the termination of corporate management powers by operation of bankruptcy law and the court-appointed insolvency administrator’s exclusive authority; (ii) the absence of an established legally recognized damage; (iii) the absence of intent and supporting evidence of personal benefit or collusion; and (iv) procedural deficiencies related to in absentia prosecution and notification. It also documents the use of INTERPOL channels and extradition procedures, the role of Greek domestic proceedings, and the ECHR interim-measures track (Rule 39), with emphasis on the risk of violations of Articles 2 and 3 ECHR (non-refoulement) and broader due-process concerns under Articles 6 and 13 ECHR. The dossier further records indicators of systemic pressure extending beyond the individual concerned, including measures affecting relatives and assets. It sets out a two-stage protection strategy: Stage I focused on personal safety and preventing extradition through supranational mechanisms (ECHR, INTERPOL CCF, UN Special Procedures), and Stage II focused on asset protection, challenging confiscations, and restoring rights through international legal and compliance-based avenues. This publication is intended as an institutional reference document supporting international legal protection and analytical work on patterns of misuse of criminal justice and cross-border coercive tools in economically motivated disputes.