Russian Banker Sergey Khotimskiy Faces Sanctions Amid Atlanta Real Estate Investments

ATLANTA, GA — Sergey Khotimskiy, a Russian banker, has invested over $37 million in Atlanta’s real estate market over the past seven years. His transactions include the purchase of a pub in Virginia-Highland for nearly $4.7 million in 2015, a nightclub in Buckhead for $4 million, and a church sanctuary in a converted movie theater for $2.3 million.

Many investors who sold properties to Khotimskiy reported never having met him. The extent of his investments raises questions about the legitimacy of his dealings, especially in light of his recent inclusion on a U.S. Treasury Department sanctions list targeting Russian elites.

Khotimskiy’s purchases have included a $5.6 million shopping center in Alpharetta and other properties around the metro area. Real estate experts note that such significant investments are unusual, especially when made through limited liability companies (LLCs) that provide anonymity to buyers.

Doug Landau, the current owner of the pub Khotimskiy previously owned, expressed concern upon learning of his sanctioning. “When I found out he was on that list, it was alarming,” Landau said. “You can’t just ignore the implications of it all.”

Khotimskiy has publicly voiced his frustration over the sanctions, describing the situation as having a “gun to your head.” His investments now face increased scrutiny as authorities look into the impact of such foreign capital on the local economy.

In South Carolina, Khotimskiy and other prominent Russian banking executives acquired homes worth more than $22 million before sanctions were applied. These acquisitions multiply concerns about transparency in U.S. real estate transactions.

The investigation into Khotimskiy’s dealings continues as local reporters gather public records and conduct interviews to uncover the full extent and impact of his business ventures in the U.S.