As global business becomes increasingly interconnected, American companies face growing risks when entering emerging markets—especially those where legal systems may be opaque, politicized, or vulnerable to corruption. Danis Latypov, a former Deputy Prosecutor of Ufa and Justice Advisor in the Russian Federation, is now using his two decades of prosecutorial experience to help U.S. entities avoid legal pitfalls abroad. In this exclusive interview, Latypov discusses the realities of cross-border legal exposure, the dangers of prosecutorial overreach, and how his new U.S.-based consulting firm will help protect American interests.
Q: Danis, after more than 20 years in the Russian prosecutorial system, what motivated your move to the United States?
Latypov: After retiring from public service in 2024, I began to reflect on how I could continue using my experience in a meaningful way. I saw that many U.S. companies and institutions lack the knowledge to effectively assess legal risks in post-Soviet countries. I realized I could fill that gap. The legal environments in these regions are complex, and without insider knowledge, foreign actors are often unprepared for the types of legal and regulatory pressures they may face.
Q: What are some of the most common legal risks for American companies doing business in Russia or neighboring countries?
Latypov: The biggest issue is prosecutorial misuse—meaning, criminal investigations or regulatory actions initiated for political or economic leverage. I have personally witnessed cases where foreign investors were pressured using legal mechanisms that, on the surface, appeared legitimate. Another risk is contract enforcement. Even with well-drafted agreements, local courts may not act independently. Corruption, selective law enforcement, and administrative interference all pose serious challenges.
Q: How did your own work in Russia prepare you to advise on these issues?
Latypov: I served in multiple supervisory roles—most recently as Deputy Prosecutor of Ufa, where I oversaw seven district offices and more than 100 officers. My responsibilities included regulatory oversight, anti-corruption enforcement, and protection of citizens’ rights. I also helped develop internal guidelines on how to prevent administrative overreach toward businesses. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how power operates within post-Soviet legal systems—both formally and informally.
Q: Can you share an example from your prosecutorial career that mirrors the risks American companies might face abroad?
Latypov: Certainly. In one case, a local company backed by a foreign investor faced a surprise tax audit. It escalated into a criminal investigation with very weak evidence—essentially to coerce the company into selling its stake to a politically connected rival. I intervened in my supervisory role, reviewed the legal foundation of the case, and terminated the investigation. But such outcomes often depend on individual integrity within the system. That’s not a strategy businesses can rely on. They need prevention and awareness.
Q: What kind of services will your U.S. consulting firm provide?
Latypov: My firm will offer legal risk assessments, due diligence on foreign partners, prosecutorial exposure analysis, and compliance strategies for American entities operating in Russia, Central Asia, and other post-Soviet jurisdictions. We will also support NGOs, academic institutions, and governmental clients working on legal reform or civil society projects. I want to build a bridge of knowledge—so that U.S. institutions can make informed decisions in unfamiliar legal territories.
Q: Do you also plan to engage in training or public education in the U.S.?
Latypov: Absolutely. I believe my experience can be valuable for compliance officers, attorneys, and investigators who are dealing with international corruption, money laundering, or cross-border enforcement. I plan to offer workshops, publish practical guides, and collaborate with universities and think tanks. The world is getting more connected, and legal professionals need the tools to work across jurisdictions.
Q: What is the long-term vision for your work in the U.S.?
Latypov: My goal is to make cross-border legal risk more transparent and manageable for American stakeholders. I want to contribute not just through consulting, but by helping shape best practices and policy conversations. Ultimately, protecting American interests abroad means understanding how foreign legal systems actually work—not just on paper, but in practice. And that’s the perspective I bring.
Q: Finally, what do you see as the biggest misconception Western institutions have about legal systems in the former Soviet Union?
Latypov: The biggest mistake is assuming that laws are applied uniformly or predictably. In many cases, laws exist but are used selectively, or for reasons unrelated to justice. You need someone who understands both the letter and the logic of those systems. That’s what I’ve spent my career learning—and what I now want to share.
As Danis Latypov builds his new practice in the United States, his insider knowledge and principled leadership offer a rare and timely perspective. In an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty and legal complexity, his work promises to help American clients act with foresight, security, and integrity on the international stage.
