Why a Russian oligarch’s vacation home worries the Swedish military 15 photos, 12 disasters, 10 years and 1 billion children in need

Stanislav Aleshchenko is not an oligarch flaunting wealth. The 50-year-old prefers to live inconspicuously. According to the Swedish newspaper “Expressen”, he owns several companies that do good business with the Kremlin – from specialty clothing to technology for nuclear weapons.

But the Russian, who also has Bulgarian and Cypriot nationality, also has a penchant for Sweden: he owns expensive apartments in Stockholm and a holiday home in the archipelago south of the capital. This is idyllically located on the island of Muskö – in the immediate vicinity of one of the Swedish Navy’s headquarters.

With uninterrupted views, the property has a very good overview of the waterways to and from Muskö Naval Base, with submarine docks and port facilities blown into the rock. “They don’t want Russians here with ties to the Kremlin,” an anonymous military expert told Expressen. According to the newspaper, a modern villa is currently being built on the site.

Espionage, cyber-attacks and drones above nuclear power plants

Russia’s threat in the Baltic Sea and planned NATO membership have long put Sweden’s military defenses on edge. The secret services are engaged in espionage and cyber-attacks under the leadership of the Kremlin. Last year, drone flights over several nuclear power plants caused a stir and special forces arrested several suspected Russian spies.

So far there has been no concrete suspicion against Aleshchenko. However, the Swedish military leadership said it viewed Russian property near military installations as problematic. According to «Expresses», Secret Service sources also indicated that Aleshchenko was on the radar.

Tax assessment of more than 19 million Swiss francs

The Russian has now become known through a spectacular investigation by the Tax Authorities, as the newspaper has been able to see. Shortly before Christmas, Aleshchenko received a tax bill for no less than CHF 19 million, payable within four weeks. The authorities accuse the 50-year-old of evading taxes for years because he was not registered in Sweden but spent a large part of the time here.

The case is reminiscent of Russian millionaire Pavel Melnikov, who bought a number of coastal and island properties in Finland. These are located at strategically important locations, near military installations or data cables. In 2018, hundreds of police officers backed by the military stormed 17 houses. Melnikov is now charged with tax evasion, but the case sparked debate about the risks Russian landowners face.

Since 2020, foreigners from outside the EU have to apply for a permit from the Finnish Ministry of Defense before they can buy real estate. Norway also has such a law, but Sweden does not. Kremlin friend Stanislav Aleshchenko should be able to enjoy the view from his holiday home for the time being – provided he pays his back taxes. (bzbasel.ch)