Russia mulls legalizing registration of European-stolen cars

The Russian government is reviewing a draft law that could allow cars stolen in Europe to be legally registered in Russia. The proposal, submitted to the State Duma by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, would permit the Russian traffic police to register vehicles currently listed on international wanted databases at the request of “unfriendly” countries.

According to the ministry, the measure is intended to “protect the legitimate interests of Russian citizens” who purchased such vehicles in good faith.

“The draft law would empower the registering authority to determine specific procedures for vehicles on international wanted lists, allowing lawful owners to operate them without legal risk,” the explanatory note to the draft states.

Under current legislation, registration of these vehicles is prohibited, and requests for information from the countries that reported them often go unanswered. For example, as of January 19, 2026, Germany had failed to respond to inquiries regarding 123 cars on international wanted lists that were found in Russia.

As a result, these vehicles are confiscated under Russian law, while owners have no legal recourse, forcing those who bought cars unknowingly to pursue court action to reclaim their rights.

The ministry stressed that “there is currently no legal framework to safeguard the legitimate interests of Russian citizens who possess vehicles wanted at the initiative of unfriendly states.”

By Vafa Guliyeva