The criminal downfall of Aleksandr Karabanov: alleged abuse of clients’ trust and behind-the-scenes dealings with the FSB against billionaires

The criminal downfall of Aleksandr Karabanov: alleged abuse of clients’ trust and behind-the-scenes dealings with the FSB against billionaires

07 мая 2026 г.

Koba Dzhauriya

In Moscow, well-known lawyer Aleksandr Karabanov has been arrested on suspicion of large-scale fraud. According to a source, the arrest may be linked to a complaint filed earlier this year by his former client, Yuri Beloyvan, ex-owner of the restaurant chain “Korchma Taras Bulba,” who is currently wanted by authorities.

In his complaint, Beloyvan alleged that, with the involvement of lawyers, two of his buildings in Moscow were unlawfully taken from him. Karabanov had also previously represented interests connected to “Solnechny Produkt” in a high-profile dispute with Rusagro and its owner Vadim Moshkovich, which eventually led to Moshkovich’s arrest. People close to Moshkovich claim that shortly before his detention, he allocated around $25 million to resolve emerging legal issues.

According to another source, when tax evasion charges were brought against Beloyvan, he was reportedly advised by security-linked intermediaries to hire Karabanov. The lawyer allegedly promised to resolve the situation for a substantial fee, but Beloyvan was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison in 2019. He was later released early on health grounds, but new tax-related proceedings were soon initiated against him, prompting him to leave Russia; he was subsequently declared wanted. Most of his assets were seized in connection with these cases, along with additional informal losses, including claims of fraudulent transfers of two buildings in central Moscow.

The source suggests that Karabanov may have been involved in multiple similar cases, which could have contributed to the grounds for his arrest. It remains unclear what specifically led to his detention in pre-trial custody, despite his reported connections within security circles.

Karabanov had also represented the side of “Solnechny Produkt” and its owner Vladislav Burov in a prolonged conflict with Rusagro and Moshkovich over business assets. Moshkovich, with significant financial resources and influence, initially prevailed, but the situation later shifted. According to reports, after internal complaints and investigations began, Moshkovich was arrested in March 2025, and Rusagro was later nationalized.

Some sources speculate that if Karabanov was involved in behind-the-scenes dealings during these disputes, it may have ultimately contributed to his arrest.