Our solution involved a multi-faceted approach that leveraged both desk research and field investigations to unravel the complex ownership structure. The methodology encompassed:

1. Mapping Immediate Shareholders: We initiated the process by mapping the immediate shareholders of the Moldovan company, identifying two Moldovan individuals and one Spanish private limited company.
2. Sanctions List Screening: A crucial step in our investigation was screening the identified entities and individuals against sanctions lists to identify any initial red flags.
3. Corporate Information Assessment: We delved into the corporate information of the Spanish company, identifying a British national as the sole director and tracing the corporate address to an apartment building in the Balearic Islands.
4. Field Investigation: Conducting a parallel field investigation, we explored the business ties of the British national, uncovering supposed connections to a wealthy Russian family rumored to be the ultimate beneficial owners of the Spanish company.
5. Land Registry Searches: To further substantiate our findings, we conducted searches of the Spanish land registry, eventually linking the British national to a sanctioned Russian individual through marriage, thereby identifying a significant risk factor for our client.

Through our detailed investigation, we were able to paint a comprehensive picture of the Moldovan company’s ownership structure, unveiling connections that posed a substantial risk to our client’s potential investment. Our findings, grounded in meticulous research and investigative rigor, empowered our client to approach their investment decision with a full understanding of the associated risks, ensuring an informed and cautious approach to their investment strategy.