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Miami Real Estate Broker Pleads Guilty to Violating U.S. Sanctions

Roman Sinyavsky, a Miami-based real estate broker, has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in a conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions and commit money laundering. His illegal activities were centered around facilitating the sale of high-end luxury properties that were linked to prominent Russian oligarchs Viktor Perevalov and Valeri Abramov. Both Perevalov and Abramov are on the U.S. sanctions list due to their significant roles in the Russian-occupied Crimea region of Ukraine, where they have been accused of contributing to the destabilization efforts in the area.

Sinyavsky’s actions involved using shell companies and other deceptive means to conceal the true ownership of these properties, thus circumventing the sanctions that had been imposed as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to punish those who support Russia’s aggressive actions. The case highlights ongoing concerns about illicit financial transactions in the real estate sector, particularly those tied to individuals and entities with known connections to corrupt or criminal activities.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Perevalov and Abramov for their involvement with VAD, AO, a construction firm responsible for developing the Tavrida Highway in Crimea. Perevalov received additional sanctions in December 2024 for his operations in the Russian construction sector. These sanctions aim to restrict individuals and entities connected to Russia’s destabilizing activities.

From January 2018 to March 2023, Roman Sinyavsky conspired with others to bypass the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The scheme involved maintaining, transferring, selling, and leasing luxury Miami condominiums owned by Perevalov and Abramov. Additionally, Sinyavsky used proceeds from these transactions to fund property maintenance, thereby violating sanctions.

Details of the Criminal Activities

Court documents reveal that Sinyavsky orchestrated a complex web of transactions to disguise the origins of funds tied to the sanctioned oligarchs. These properties, valued in the millions, were used to generate revenue through leasing and sales. The proceeds were then funneled into accounts to evade detection and maintain the properties.

One notable transaction involved Abramov’s property, which was sold as early as June 2018. Meanwhile, Perevalov’s two luxury condominiums were subjected to a civil forfeiture complaint filed by the U.S. government in February 2024. This legal action culminated in the forfeiture of $1.8 million in proceeds from these properties.

Penalties and Legal Implications

As part of his plea agreement, Sinyavsky has agreed to forfeit $182,442.45, the total proceeds he personally gained from the scheme. Additionally, he faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. The court will determine his final sentence after reviewing U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

In a related settlement with OFAC, Sinyavsky and his company, Family International Realty LLC, have agreed to pay a civil penalty of approximately $1,076,923. However, OFAC will credit the forfeiture amount against this penalty, reducing the financial burden.

Role of Law Enforcement and Task Force KleptoCapture

This case underscores the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Miami Field Office and the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The investigation is part of Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency initiative launched in 2022 to enforce sanctions and counteract Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

“This guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to enforcing sanctions and holding those who undermine U.S. national security accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible.

Conclusion

Roman Sinyavsky’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating U.S. sanctions and engaging in money laundering. The collaborative efforts of federal agencies continue to reinforce the integrity of economic measures aimed at deterring global threats. As Task Force KleptoCapture remains vigilant, individuals and entities attempting to evade sanctions should anticipate rigorous enforcement and severe penalties.