Australia has officially removed Cyprus-based businessman Igor Makarov from its autonomous sanctions list, becoming the second Western government to do so after the UK.
The decision follows a review by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with Makarov's name no longer on the country's Consolidated List of sanctioned individuals.
Makarov, founder of ARETI International Group, was initially sanctioned in April 2022 for alleged ties to the Kremlin or benefitting from Russia’s war efforts.
Beyond business, Makarov is known for his philanthropic work and role in international cycling, having renounced his Russian citizenship in 2023.