In Russia there are special accounts of type “C”, where money and securities of foreign investors are stored, including, Western. Now these funds may be confiscated by the Russian authorities.
So American experts, interviewed by Reuters journalists, predict Moscow's response to the West's confiscation of blocked Russian assets. In total, media representatives spoke with six economists and lawyers.
So, Aigenis investment manager Vladimir Yazev said, what, in his opinion, Russian authorities could seize payments on Western assets, stored in accounts "C". Besides, Moscow could organize blocking of over-the-counter assets, owned by investors from Western countries.
Another expert suggested, that Russia could offer the option of exchanging frozen assets for securities of companies from the Russian Federation. Otherwise, a decision may be made to confiscate Western funds in favor of the Russian state.
Generally, experts came to the same conclusion. they believe, what if Western leaders decide to confiscate Russian assets, Moscow will not be able to carry out symmetrical actions due to the fact that, that the foreign investment available within its reach is smaller in volume, than Russian funds stored in the West.
In January 2022 year, the RIA Novosti agency estimated the value of Western assets located in Russia at the amount 288 billions of dollars. By the end of last year, their volume decreased and amounted to 215 billions.
