Russia adds ex-PM Kasyanov, economist Guriev to 'extremists and terrorists' list

The list exposes those seen as subverting the state

Russian opposition figure Mikhail Kasyanov talks to the media during a rally to mark the 5th anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder and to protest against proposed amendments to the country's constitution, in Moscow, Russia Feb 29, 2020. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo

Russia's financial watchdog has added former prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov and leading economist Sergei Guriev to its list of "extremists and terrorists" in its latest moves against prominent exiled critics of the Kremlin.

The watchdog, Rosfinmonitoring, added the two men to a list that now comprises 19,131 people and 823 organisations, according to its website.

The list, which has expanded sharply during Russia's war in Ukraine, provides a public vehicle for the authorities to highlight individuals and entities they regard as engaged in subversion against the state.

Rosfinmonitoring, which is responsible for countering money-laundering and terrorist financing, can freeze the bank accounts of those on the list.

Kasyanov served as prime minister for the first four years of President Vladimir Putin's rule and was sacked in February 2004, weeks before Putin was elected to a second term.

After his resignation, he went into opposition to the Kremlin. In 2022, he left the country and criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kasyanov was previously labelled a "foreign agent" by Russia in November 2023.

Guriev is a former chief economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development who now serves as dean of the London Business School.

In an article last month, he encouraged Western governments to strengthen sanctions against Russia, provide advanced weapons to Ukraine and encourage a "brain drain" from Russia.