This concerns the accusation that Serbian law enforcement brought against Naumov more than two years ago. On June 7, 2022, Naumov and German citizen Alexander Akst (who is featured on the sanctions list of smugglers in Ukraine) were arrested in Serbia, at the border with North Macedonia, on suspicion of money laundering: approximately €600,000, nearly $125,000, and precious stones were found in their vehicle without declaration.
He was released from custody in early December 2023 and was free while awaiting a final verdict. On September 29, 2023, the Higher Court in Niš announced Naumov's verdict in this case – one year of imprisonment. Subsequently, the appellate court overturned the verdict and sent the case back for reconsideration to the same court.
This year, the Higher Court in Niš confirmed the verdict. Additionally, as reported on October 15 by Radio Slobodna Europa, Naumov was fined 200,000 dinars (€1,700) and ordered to be expelled from Serbia with a ban on entering for five years, with the condition that the time served will not be counted within this period.
The decision will take effect unless overturned by an appeal, RSE clarified.
Naumov himself stated to "BBC News Україна" that he disagrees with the court's ruling and considers the entire trial to be "too biased." "It is an attempt by the court to justify all those fake accusations that forced me to spend a year and a half behind bars," Naumov said.