Dual National Lawyer Faces Treason Charges in Russia

Russia accused dual Russian-German national and lawyer German Moyzhes of state treason. Moyzhes, aiding Russians in obtaining European residency, is detained in Moscow's Lefortovo prison. The German Foreign Ministry confirmed his arrest, noting restricted consular access. Moyzhes' charges relate to his consultancy work with Avers Group Germany.

Russia has charged German Moyzhes, a dual Russian-German national and lawyer, with state treason, the TASS state news agency reported on Tuesday, referencing law enforcement agencies.

TASS revealed that Moyzhes aided Russians in acquiring European residency permits. He is currently held in pretrial detention at Moscow's Lefortovo prison after his transfer from a St Petersburg detention center, although the trial date remains unspecified. Attempts to contact his lawyer by Reuters have been unsuccessful.

Moyzhes is among several foreign nationals and dual citizens detained in Russia amid strained Moscow-West relations over the Ukraine conflict. The German Foreign Ministry affirmed Moyzhes' arrest in June, stating its embassy in Moscow maintains contact with his family. A ministry official highlighted Moscow's two-year denial of consular access to jailed citizens but emphasized Berlin's commitment to consular access.

Facing potential life imprisonment under Russian treason charges, Moyzhes previously served as a lawyer and managing partner for Cologne-based Avers Group Germany. The consultancy firm assists post-Soviet region's affluent individuals, including Russians, with German residency permits. The company has not commented on Moyzhes' arrest.