Scandal in Mallorca: Russian arms dealer owns five luxury houses!

Scandal in Mallorca: Russian arms dealer owns five luxury houses!

Russian arms dealer Nikolai Kolesov, who is on the EU sanctions list for his role in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, has purchased five luxury villas on the southwest coast of Mallorca, according to reports. This claim is supported by the Anti-Corruption Foundation in Russia, which registered the properties in the names of Kolesov's children and his sister to avoid EU sanctions. Kolesov, 69 years old and CEO of Russian Helicopters, a main supplier of helicopters to the Russian army, was added to the European Commission's sanctions list on December 16, 2024. The foundation estimates the total value of the properties at around 18 million euros, attracting the attention of Spanish authorities.

One of the most impressive villas is located in Calvia and offers plenty of space with 1,200 square meters and a large pool. This villa was purchased by a company associated with Kolesov in 2014 and registered in the name of his daughter in 2022, who was only four years old at the time. Its value is estimated at around 5 million euros. In the immediate vicinity is another smaller villa of 500 square meters, registered in the name of Kolesov's 71-year-old sister and valued at around 3 million euros.

Investigations and Assets

Investigators have also identified three adjacent houses in Magalluf, totaling 750 square meters, registered in the name of Kolesov's youngest son. The value of these properties is estimated at around 10 million euros. The Anti-Corruption Foundation's commitment is reinforced by a published video in which Maria Pevchikh and Georgy Alburov present their investigation into Kolesov's real estate. The foundation has expressed hope that the Spanish authorities will investigate the real ownership of the properties in order to enforce EU sanctions and secure the illegal assets.

The foundation points out that Kolesov was able to accumulate such assets through his positions in public defense companies. In addition to the real estate in Mallorca, Kolesov also owns a palace in Yalta, allegedly purchased in the name of a state-owned factory, as well as a plot of land in Rublyovka registered to him and his factory, valued at 1 billion rubles. Other assets include a private resort near Kazan.

Air fleet and international investments

Internationally, Kolesov owns a $25 million villa in the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, registered to one of his subordinates, as well as cross-country properties, including a neighboring villa and an apartment, also registered to family members. Kolesov's impressive air fleet consists of a $20 million Bombardier Global Express jet, a $10 million Embraer Legacy 650 jet and a $5 million AgustaWestland 109 helicopter. All of these aircraft are registered to an affiliated company called Spetsdostavka.

In total, the value of Kolesov's assets is estimated at about 35 million dollars or 2.8 billion rubles. While the investigation into this case continues, it remains to be seen what measures the Spanish authorities will take to enforce the sanctions against Kolesov and investigate possible illegal activities related to his properties in Mallorca.