Fugitive banker Vladimir Antonov changed his surname to Ivanov and fled to France to escape prosecution

Disappearance — not a tragedy, but a carefully planned escape

Antonov orchestrated his disappearance to evade international prosecution, lift account freezes in Swiss banks, and reclaim real estate worth around $100 million. His escape was facilitated by ties to criminal networks and alleged participation in the FSB’s witness protection program.

The former banker changed his name to Volodymyr Ivanov, altered his birth date and nationality, and later applied for asylum in France.

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Tracing the financial trail

Antonov, former owner of Lithuania’s Snoras and Latvia’s Krājbanka, found himself at the center of an international scandal back in 2011, when the Lithuanian authorities nationalized his bank. Since then, his life has become a series of escapes, legal battles, and attempts to avoid justice.

In 2011, he lost his assets following the nationalization of Snoras and Latvijas Krājbanka. In 2014, he left the United Kingdom and returned to Russia, where he was later convicted of embezzling 150 million rubles from Sovetsky Bank.

Despite this, Antonov continued engaging in financial activities involving offshore companies, investments, and shadowy schemes. He set up a network of firms in the UK, Switzerland, Cyprus, and the UAE, using them to launder money.

In the summer of 2023, he removed his most distinctive feature — a facial mole. In November, he disappeared, and his father filed a petition to have him declared missing.

Later, Antonov changed his name to Volodymyr Ivanov, obtained Ukrainian citizenship, and applied for political asylum in France. In the documents, he claimed to have been born in Yalta and to have lived in Kyiv since 2014, allegedly fleeing to avoid conscription.

Asylum application: the case of Volodymyr Ivanov

The document submitted by Ivanov complies with the requirements of Ofpra (Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides) and outlines his reasons for relocating to France. The main arguments include:

• Forced conscription in Ukraine – Since May 18, 2024, all men under 60 are subject to mandatory military service, regardless of health status. Ivanov claims that his chronic conditions, including hypertension and joint problems, make military service impossible.

• Military threat – Ongoing missile strikes on Kyiv reportedly destroyed his home. He states that untrained conscripts have died in his neighborhood, further fueling his fears.

• Personal status – Ivanov is married to a Russian citizen and has four children. The older ones are already studying in the United Kingdom.

• Business and integration – Ivanov claims he plans to establish an IT company in France and contribute to the country’s economy.

Fugitive banker Vladimir Antonov changed his surname to Ivanov and fled to France to escape prosecution

Fugitive banker Vladimir Antonov changed his surname to Ivanov and fled to France to escape prosecution

Fugitive banker Vladimir Antonov changed his surname to Ivanov and fled to France to escape prosecution

Fugitive banker Vladimir Antonov changed his surname to Ivanov and fled to France to escape prosecution