Vadim Kleiner (UK), Sergei Magnitsky Justice Campaign / Hermitage Capital Management
SUMMARY:
On November 16, 2009, Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian tax advisor responsible for exposing corruption and misconduct by Russian government officials, died in prison after being arrested by the very officials he testified against. He endured eleven months in torturous conditions in a Russian pre-trial detention center. Sergei worked for Hermitage Capital Management to defend against attacks from a criminal organization deeply infiltrated into the Russian government. His courage and subsequent death sparked worldwide outrage, leading to the adoption of legislation in 31 countries aimed at combating human rights abuses and corruption, many of which bear Sergei Magnitsky's name.
Sergei sacrificed his freedom and ultimately his life to expose $230 million in government corruption. In his honor, Hermitage has conducted a global investigation to identify those who benefited from this crime. This effort has resulted in 17 money laundering cases being opened based on Hermitage’s complaints in 17 countries and has led to 15 years of close cooperation between Hermitage and relevant international authorities to combat money laundering and bring those responsible to justice.
Vadim Kleiner will share his 15 years of experience with the Sergei Magnitsky Justice campaign. He will delve deep into the techniques, methods, and approaches used by those who built one of the most notorious money laundering machines of modern times. What have we learned, what still needs to be done, and how can we do better?
VADIM KLEINER BIO:
Vadim Kleiner holds an MA and PhD in Economics, as well as an MS in Computer Science. Following a successful 12-year career in equity research, Kleiner transitioned to become a prominent justice campaigner and anti-money laundering (AML) investigator.
Kleiner's investigation into the proceeds of a $230 million fraud, uncovered by Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, has led to the opening of 17 criminal investigations into money laundering across more than 20 countries worldwide. He has collaborated closely with law enforcement authorities in several countries, including the US, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Estonia, and Latvia, to bring to justice those who profited from or aided in laundering the illicit funds.
Over the past decade, Kleiner has significantly contributed to journalism by exposing global corruption scandals such as the "Russian Laundromat," the "Panama Papers," the Danske Bank investigation, the "Troika Laundromat," and the Swedbank investigation. Additionally, he has shared his insights on strategies to combat money laundering with MBA students and financial institutions.