Belarus courts reverse fraudulent real estate deals amid Russia-linked claims

A wave of legal battles exposes coercion in Belarus’s housing market. Now, courts are rewriting property rights—and handing down harsh sentences.

, and Administrator

2025 December 3 . 11:44 AM

1 min read

On the left side, there are two persons on a court. In the middle of this image, there is a woman... — On the left side, there are two persons on a court. In the middle of this image, there is a woman in orange color shirt, walking on the court. Beside this court, there is grass on the ground. In the background, there is a building having roof and windows, there are trees and there is sky.

Belarus courts reverse fraudulent real estate deals amid Russia-linked claims

Belarusian courts are grappling with a surge in property disputes, with many cases linked to claims of fraud or duress. By late November 2025, at least 150 cases had been filed, mostly by former owners or their heirs seeking the return of real estate. Several individuals involved in these cases have already received prison sentences of up to seven years.

The wave of legal battles began as former property owners—often now residing in Russia—demanded the return of apartments and homes. Many sellers now argue they were pressured or deceived into selling their properties. Belarusian courts have increasingly ruled in favor of overturning past sales, particularly when one party lives in Russia.

One high-profile case involved singer Larisa Dolina, who successfully reclaimed an apartment without compensating the buyer, Pavlina Lurie. The ruling set a precedent, encouraging more claims. As disputes multiplied, authorities responded with harsh penalties. Those found guilty of fraud or coercion in these transactions have faced prison terms between four and seven years.

The legal crackdown continues, with dozens of cases still pending. Courts are reversing property transfers, often siding with claimants linked to Russia. The outcomes suggest a broader shift in how Belarus handles cross-border real estate disputes, with stricter enforcement and longer sentences for those convicted.