Andrey Nemolyakin is a Russian citizen who took a stand against the oppressive actions of his government by supporting Ukraine during its time of need. Today, he finds himself in grave danger, as the Russian authorities are using all means at their disposal to silence him, including an extradition request from Moldova.
Despite clear evidence that his life is at risk—where torture or even death awaits him if he is returned to Russia—the Moldovan authorities appear to be ignoring international laws and conventions designed to protect those fleeing persecution.
He has reached out to EU Reporter as someone whose survival now depends on public awareness and international pressure, saying that his only chance for protection lies in the voices of those who can amplify his plea and hold governments accountable for upholding human rights.
We publish his open letter, in the hope that it will help shed light on this injustice before it is too late.
A Story of Resistance Against Oppression: Andrey Nemolyakin’s Fight for Justice
My name is Andrey Nemolyakin, a Russian entrepreneur and political dissident who has spent his life opposing the corrupt and oppressive practices of the Russian regime. My story is one of resilience, betrayal, and unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of immense personal risk.
Political and Business Background in Russia
In the Russian Federation, I was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) and led its Krasnodar branch. My political activities often placed me in direct conflict with law enforcement agencies, including the FSB. Alongside politics, I was a successful businessman. I owned and operated a construction company in Anapa, specializing in building residential complexes. I was also involved in logistics and supplies for the Russian Ministry of Defense.
One of the most significant contracts I supported was with my business partner, Alexander Grebennik, for the delivery of coal to the Ministry of Defense. This $35 million contract was highly challenging, requiring the transportation of coal to remote areas. My role was limited to providing legal and logistical support, while my partner managed the execution. Despite successfully completing the contract, the government refused to pay the remaining 390 million rubles, forcing us to pursue legal action.
Through my efforts, we won two court rulings confirming the debt owed to us and the full completion of the contract. However, the FSB accused me of fraud, claiming that I had orchestrated an inflated pricing scheme—allegations that were entirely unfounded. Notably, the Ministry of Defense initially raised no objections, and the contract prices were consistent with market standards.
Persecution by the Russian State
The charges against me were politically motivated. The FSB targeted me not only for my business activities but also for my opposition to the regime. Despite having no ownership or directorial role in the implicated company, I was accused of organizing a conspiracy. The so-called ‘evidence’ was based solely on the coerced testimony of a cooperating witness.
To exacerbate matters, in 2016—four years after the contract’s completion—Russian authorities retroactively claimed that fulfilling the contract at the agreed-upon price had caused ‘damage’ to the state. They then demanded that we repay the 390 million rubles, effectively expecting us to deliver the contract for free. This Kafkaesque logic is emblematic of Russia’s misuse of its legal system to silence dissenters.
By the time these charges were formally raised, I had already left Russia, having moved to Ukraine in 2014. Unnotified and unrepresented, I was placed on Interpol’s Red Notice list, further limiting my freedom and mobility.
Rebuilding a Life in Ukraine
Arriving in Kyiv with no connections or resources, I built a successful legal business from the ground up. My company, ‘Anti-Raider,’ specialized in protecting individuals and businesses from corporate raiders. Over the years, we achieved more than 20 successful case resolutions, helping those victimized by systemic corruption.
In 2018, betrayal struck again. My business partners, seeking financial gain, reported me to Ukrainian authorities, citing the Interpol notice. This led to my imprisonment and the denial of political asylum. Undeterred, I continued to rebuild, establishing major agricultural ventures in Switzerland and Spain. Yet, I lost these businesses due to misplaced trust in partners.
Persecution and Survival in Moldova
In late 2023, as my business in Ukraine collapsed due to the mobilization of most of my workforce, I fled to Moldova with a falsified passport. My lack of documents and the ongoing Interpol notice left me no choice. Detained upon arrival, I am now under house arrest in Chișinău, fighting both extradition to Russia and the refusal of my asylum application.
Despite presenting clear evidence of political persecution and the risk of torture or death if extradited, Moldovan authorities seem indifferent. My case highlights the broader geopolitical struggles between authoritarianism and justice, as Russia seeks to silence dissidents abroad.
A Call for Justice
My life is a testament to the lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to suppress opposition. I have endured imprisonment, betrayal, and exile, yet I remain steadfast in my commitment to truth and justice. Today, I fight not only for my freedom but for the rights of countless others facing similar persecution.
I appeal to Free Europe Radio to share my story. It is not merely a personal account but a narrative that exposes the dark realities of Russian oppression, the resilience of those who resist, and the urgent need for international solidarity.
By amplifying my voice, you can help shine a light on these injustices and support the broader fight for human rights and accountability. My story is not just about survival—it is about the enduring power of hope and resistance in the face of tyranny.
Volunteering and Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine
During the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, I dedicated myself to providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the war. As a volunteer, I played a critical role in evacuating people from the besieged city of Bucha, often risking my life to transport wounded individuals and families trapped in the conflict zone. These efforts exemplified my commitment to protecting human life and alleviating the suffering caused by the war.
In addition to evacuation efforts, I organized the delivery of essential food supplies to cities like Kharkiv, which were under constant attack. My actions were driven by a profound sense of civic duty and compassion for those in need, ensuring that civilians received critical aid during one of the darkest periods in Ukraine’s history.
This humanitarian work has placed me at significant risk. Russian authorities are known to target individuals who have supported Ukrainian civilians during the war, viewing such actions as a betrayal of the Russian state. If extradited to Russia, I fear I would face severe punishment, including torture and possibly death, for fulfilling what I believe is a universal moral obligation to help others in times of crisis.
Today, I stand as a Ukrainian volunteer who provided humanitarian assistance during a time of great need, now facing the threat of extradition to Russia—a country that seeks to punish me for my acts of compassion and duty to humanity. My case is a clear example of how authoritarian regimes weaponize international systems to silence and punish those who stand for justice and humanity.
I urge Free Europe Radio to share my story to highlight the grave injustice I face and to amplify the voices of countless individuals targeted for their efforts to help others. Through your platform, we can shed light on the critical importance of protecting human rights and ensuring that no one is punished for their dedication to humanity.
