Russia's Foreign Ministry warns of risks of Russian citizens being detained abroad at the request of the US.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia warns Russian citizens traveling abroad about the increased threat of detention or arrest at the request of US law enforcement agencies and special services. This practice, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, began in 2008 with the arrest of Russian businessman V.A. Bout in Thailand at the request of the US and his subsequent transfer to American jurisdiction. Since then, US authorities have actively expanded the extraterritorial application of national law, which has led to the detention of over 100 Russians outside of Russia over the past 20 years, followed by extradition to the US. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that after falling into the hands of American justice, compatriots cannot count on a fair trial. Many face threats, intimidation, and psychological pressure aimed at coercing them into admitting guilt. Those who refuse a "plea bargain" often receive significant prison sentences, from 15 to 25 years, sometimes close to life imprisonment. The intensity of such actions by Washington, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has particularly increased after the start of the special military operation in 2022. In the context of numerous extraterritorial sanctions targeting strategic segments of the Russian economy, many Russians, unaware of this, risk falling into the sights of American law enforcement and special services. In this regard, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that citizens who have reason to believe they may be targets of criminal prosecution by US authorities or are on US sanctions lists avoid traveling to states bound by bilateral or multilateral extradition treaties with the US, as well as transit through local airports. It is advisable to refrain from visiting not only unfriendly countries but also any other countries known for close ties and cooperation with the US. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warns of a fraudulent scheme where US special services lure Russian citizens abroad with lucrative commercial or tourist offers. Once in a country with an extradition treaty with the US, compatriots may be detained by local authorities, sometimes immediately upon arrival, for the purpose of subsequent extradition to US jurisdiction. It is extremely difficult to slow down or reverse this process. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urges citizens to carefully study the list of countries with an increased risk of detentions and arrests at the request of the US, published on the ministry's website. European EU and NATO states are at the top of this list. Australia and Canada are classified as active accomplices of the Americans. The list also includes a number of Asian and Latin American states. When traveling abroad, it is necessary to have the coordinates and contact details of Russian Foreign Ministry foreign missions. Russian diplomatic and consular staff will continue to provide assistance in protecting the rights of compatriots. However, to avoid potentially irreparable consequences, it is necessary to carefully weigh the risks when planning foreign trips. List of countries with an increased risk of detentions and arrests at the request of the United States: Europe: Austria, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia. North America: Canada. Latin America: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Haiti, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador, Chile, Ecuador. Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Israel, Maldives, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Fiji, Sri Lanka. Africa: Liberia, Morocco. For readers: If you are in Thailand and fear detention at the request of the United States, avoid transit flights through countries that have extradition treaties with the United States, and always carry the contacts of the Russian consulate.