In force · in force from 1 September 2026 (the whole law)
168-ФЗ of 10 June 2026 «On amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation»
Who is affected
People abroad facing a case under certain Administrative Code articles for acts abroad 'against the interests of the RF': foreign agents (19.34), 'discrediting the army' and calls for sanctions, 'undesirable' organisations, 'extremist materials' (20.29), and for not paying a fine under these articles.
Who is not affected
It does not cover cases for other offences, or people already punished for the same act in another country. Administrative detention and compulsory work are not applied to people who are abroad.
What changes
- The Administrative Code applies to acts abroad if they are 'directed against the interests of the RF' (art. 1.8).
- A court can freeze money in accounts and, if there is none, other property; the amount is not capped by the fine (art. 27.20).
- The court decides on the freeze by the next day, without notifying the person; the ruling can be appealed.
- If the person is abroad and cannot be notified, the court appoints a defence lawyer; the cost may later be charged to the person.
What to do now
- If you face such a case, discuss with a lawyer, before a court decision, which property and accounts in Russia are at risk.
- Do not rush to transfer property to relatives without a lawyer: such deals are later challenged.
- Keep all notices and court rulings: a freeze can be appealed and a request to lift it can be filed.
What is not yet clear
How often courts will use the freeze from 1 September 2026, and how 'against the interests of the RF' is read, is not yet visible. Rules for the appointed lawyer and payment are set by a government decree whose text was not checked.
Guides that reflect this: Seizure of property and accounts of those who left; Your family is pressured while you're abroad; My flat or accounts were arrested: what it means and what to do