Spanish authorities have seized real estate belonging to Nikolay Kolesov — head of Russian Helicopters, a close associate of Sergey Chemezov, and a well-known defense industry magnate. The seizure was carried out on suspicion of money laundering.

The property arrest is confirmed in official documents.

As a result of our investigation, Spanish authorities have at least launched an official review — or possibly even opened a criminal case. That means our work isn’t in vain. We plan to keep going after Putin’s cronies and war criminals.

Maria Pevchikh

Head of Investigations

Nikolay Kolesov is the subject of our investigation. He previously served as governor of the Amur region and now heads the Russian Helicopters holding.

The Anti-Corruption Foundation not only conducted the investigation but also formally appealed to Spanish authorities to seize Kolesov’s assets. We also held a protest in Madrid under this demand — organized together with the Feminist Anti-War Resistance and Rusos Libres movements.

Kolesov has turned Russia’s defense industry into his personal business empire. Through a network of shell companies, he transferred ownership of more than 20 defense enterprises to himself and his relatives — along with villas, palaces, airplanes, and helicopters. His corruption schemes even involved his underage children.

Nikolay Kolesov personally profits from Putin’s war against Ukraine — and has a direct interest in keeping it going as long as possible.

Thanks to our investigation, his assets have finally been seized.