Latvia Blacklists Russian Businessman Over Alleged Startup Visa Abuse

A Latvian investigation has uncovered allegations of how a Russian businessman helped hundreds of his countrymen obtain European Union residence through Latvia’s startup visa program, according to TV3’s Nekā personīga reports.

Aleksejs Pospehovs obtained one of Latvia’s first startup visas in 2018 and established multiple companies in Latvia.

He allegedly promoted the program as “the easiest way to move to Europe and the US.”

After founding his consultancy Mission Tech in 2019, Pospehovs reported assisting 21 startups in obtaining visas.

He publicly declared his aim to bring “a thousand startups to Latvia through Mission Tech, creating at least three to four thousand jobs.”

TV3’s investigation found that many visa recipients had allegedly listed Pospehovs’ Ģertrūdes Street apartment as their residence.

At least 35 companies, managed by over 100 Russian citizens, registered at a single address on Ganību Dambis 26A, where building management confirmed no offices ever operated, according to TV3.

Latvia Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) Director Raivis Bremšmits acknowledges the challenge of identifying fraudulent applications.

He explains that the “problem we face in all programs is that there is a part that is honest, and unfortunately, there is always a part that is dishonest.”

Latvia launched the program in 2016 to establish itself as the Baltic region’s startup hub, ultimately granting temporary residence permits to 292 Russian citizens and their families.

While the rules required applicants to prove business legitimacy through board membership and product development, LIAA limited its evaluation to paper proposals.

Applications reached 295 in 2021, but Latvia suspended Russian applications for the program, as well as the Golden Visa, in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.

Officials have closed associated companies en masse and revoked numerous permits, though 41 Russian citizens maintain their status.

Latvian security authorities added Pospehovs to their blacklist in the spring of 2024, citing concerns over his alleged role in helping individuals misrepresent their entry purposes.

According to TV3’s Nekā personīga, Pospehovs’ company, Mission Space, has relocated to Luxembourg.

An accountant formerly employed by his companies told TV3 that Pospehovs had also moved there.

Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Myra Roze reports Latvia has implemented stricter visa conditions, including mandatory board membership within three months and detailed product justification requirements.