Russia’s Sanctions ‘Monster’: How One Moscow Firm Built a Global Network of Shell Companies

A Moscow company is helping Russia evade Western sanctions through a growing network of shell companies, according to documents. Shell companies are businesses that exist on paper but often have no real operations. They are used to hide who owns money or goods. The firm’s reach is global. It moves money and goods across borders, making it harder for Western governments to track and block them. Western sanctions were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They aim to limit Russia’s access to money and technology. The documents show how one company is working to get around those limits.