French company’s top manager helping Kremlin dodge sanctions, seeking Russian citizenship

Ukrainian intelligence has established that Philippe Pegorier, a French national who heads a Russian branch of France’s Alstom is acting as an intermediary between the Russian government and French companies to help Russia evade international sanctions.

That’s according to Guildhall, referring to a source in Ukraine’s intelligence circles.

Pegorier is also coordinating pro-Russian politicians and public figures in France, meanwhile trying to obtain Russian citizenship, the publication says.

Philippe Pegorier previously worked for the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. He held senior positions in the trade and economic missions of the French embassies in Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. He also used to be a diplomatic advisor to the President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde (former IMF Managing Director), and then – to the French minister of foreign trade.

On April 21, Pegorier was elected Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Association of European Business (AEB) in Russia. It is also reported that Pegorier earlier applied for Russian citizenship and received consent in connection with his services to the country.

Alstom is engaged in power generation and transmission, as well as railway infrastructure development, occupying a leading position in developing innovative and environmentally friendly technology. The company operates in over 60 countries worldwide, employing about 36,300 people.