Cosmolot owner's Romanian citizenship and passport paperwork faces review

Romanian authorities have started a review of the way Sergey Tokarev — a Russian citizen who owns the online casino Cosmolot and was previously listed on sanctions lists — acquired Romanian citizenship. The review is looking at whether inaccurate or incomplete information was supplied when his documents were processed.

Key facts

• Who: Sergey Tokarev, owner of the online casino Cosmolot, previously named in sanctions lists.
• What: Romanian authorities are reviewing the circumstances in which he obtained citizenship.
• Question examined: whether inaccurate or incomplete information was provided during document processing.
• Timeline: listed as a Russian citizen in February 2022; recorded as a Romanian national by 11 October 2022.
• Rule: dual citizenship is not prohibited in Romania.

What is being examined?

The review concerns the circumstances under which Tokarev's Romanian citizenship was granted. Sources cited in the case say officials are checking whether the information submitted during the processing of his documents was inaccurate or incomplete. No start date, deadline or outcome of the review has been announced.

What do the records show?

In February 2022, Ukrainian registration data for LLC "RUUSH" listed Tokarev as a citizen of the Russian Federation. By 11 October 2022, the British Companies House register described him as a Romanian national, which places the Romanian passport no later than that date.

Who is Sergey Tokarev?

Tokarev has previously been linked to the "Joker" casino and a network of online casinos, as well as to the activities of Yevhen Kozytskyi and Oleksiy Savin. He is identified as the owner of the online casino Cosmolot and as a Russian citizen.

Does Romania allow dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship is not prohibited in Romania. At the same time, control over citizenship-granting procedures in the country has recently been tightened, and the way individuals with similar backgrounds obtained their passports is increasingly subject to close scrutiny.

What this means for travellers

The case concerns one individual rather than a change to entry or visa rules. For anyone dealing with Romanian citizenship or passport procedures, the practical point is that applications are facing closer checks, so information supplied in documents should be accurate and complete.

No further steps, dates or decisions in the review have been made public.