U.S. attorney general OKs transfer of forfeited funds from Russia oligarch for use in Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: Attorney General Merrick Garland delivers remarks about the prosecution of war crimes in Ukraine committed by Russian forces during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has authorized the first transfer of forfeited Russian assets for use in Ukraine, he said on Wednesday.

The Justice Department last year charged Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev with violating sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, saying he provided financing for Russians promoting separatism in Crimea.