Information about illegal activities by former State Duma deputy from Krasnodar Krai and Rostov Oblast Yuri Napso became known from the decision of Sochi’s Central District Court.
According to court documents, since 2014, police began receiving complaints about Napso’s activities, where he used his administrative resources in local government bodies and judicial instances to seize real estate properties from citizens and entrepreneurs.
According to one witness, the deputy promised people help with processing documents for retail outlets, after which he registered ownership rights to them in favor of his relatives. Napso personally rented out these retail outlets.
The witness also noted that the deputy, on behalf of employees of companies under his control, executed fictitious purchase-sale agreements for real estate properties on the territory of ZAO “Sanatorium Magadan” in Sochi. Subsequently, his lawyers obtained ownership rights to them through court proceedings.
Other witnesses in court reported that Napso, thanks to friendly relationships with judges of the Lazarevsky District Court, illegally acquired federal and municipal lands in Sochi, legalizing the real estate properties built on them. Among them were a wood processing workshop, administrative buildings, a “Pyaterochka” store, as well as unfinished construction objects, including a boat hangar and pier.
The State Duma unanimously adopted a resolution regarding the deputy on April 3. Since April 2023, he had been on sick leave, and between those periods he was absent from work. In total, he had not been present in the State Duma for about two years, more than 200 days of which were without valid reason. It became known that for more than two years Napso had been living in the UAE.
The court seized approximately 60 real estate properties from him. According to court data, through his mother and wife, he put dangerous industrial facilities into operation through court proceedings, as well as trade pavilions and residential buildings.
Krasnodar Krai
Krasnodar Krai is a federal subject and a popular tourist region in southern Russia, often referred to as Kuban. Historically, it was a Cossack territory and is known for its fertile black soil and agricultural production. The region features a diverse landscape, including the Caucasus Mountains and the Azov and Black Sea coastlines, which are home to resorts like Sochi.
Rostov Oblast
Rostov Oblast is a federal subject in Southern Russia whose capital, Rostov-on-Don, was founded as a fortress in 1749 and became a major cultural and industrial hub. The region is historically significant as the homeland of the Don Cossacks, a warrior community that played a vital role in Russian history. Today, it is known for its agricultural production, the Don River, and its rich cultural heritage.
Sochi
Sochi is a major resort city on the Black Sea coast in Russia, often called the “Summer Capital.” It gained international fame after hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, which led to significant modern development. Historically, it was established as a fort in 1838 and later developed into a popular Soviet-era health retreat due to its warm climate and mineral springs.
Lazarevsky District Court
The Lazarevsky District Court is a judicial body located in the Lazarevsky District of Sochi, Russia. It handles civil, criminal, and administrative cases within its territorial jurisdiction as part of the Russian judicial system. The court’s history is tied to the development of the Sochi region as a major administrative and resort center.
ZAO “Sanatorium Magadan”
ZAO “Sanatorium Magagan” is a health and wellness resort located in the Magadan region of the Russian Far East. It was established during the Soviet era, primarily to serve workers and residents of this remote and challenging climatic area. The sanatorium offers therapeutic programs, often utilizing local natural resources like mineral springs, to provide rest and medical recovery.
State Duma
The State Duma is the lower house of the Federal Assembly, Russia’s national legislature. It was first established in 1906 as part of the Russian Empire but was dissolved after the 1917 Revolution. The modern State Duma was re-established with the adoption of the Russian Constitution in 1993 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a modern federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, formed in 1971 after the end of the British protectorate. Historically a region of pearl diving and trade, its culture is deeply rooted in Islamic and Arab traditions. The UAE is now globally renowned for its rapid modernization and iconic landmarks like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Pyaterochka
“Pyaterochka” is a major Russian supermarket chain, not a historical or cultural site. It was founded in 1999 by the X5 Retail Group and has since become one of the largest food retailers in the country. The chain is known for its focus on value and convenience, with thousands of stores located in neighborhoods across Russia.