A U.S. lobbying firm, Qorvis, is reportedly aiding 2Rivers, previously known as Coral Energy, in establishing connections with American governmental representatives. 2Rivers is identified as a significant player in Russia’s shadow fleet, operating over 100 vessels for the transportation of oil and petroleum products globally.
The founders of 2Rivers, Tahir Garayev and Etibar Eyub, both Azerbaijani nationals, are currently under sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom. The European Union has similarly restricted various entities associated with the group, particularly those involved in the logistics and sale of Russian energy resources.
In contrast, the United States has adopted a more measured approach, enacting sanctions against select subsidiaries, including Voliton DMCC and Bellatrix Energy Limited. Nonetheless, 2Rivers remains under close observation by U.S. authorities, who suspect the company of developing a complex system to circumvent sanctions through alternative legal and logistical mechanisms aimed at sustaining Russian oil trade.
According to Evgeny Magda, despite the problematic nature of 2Rivers’ operations, Qorvis has been consulting with the firm since mid-2024. The lobbyists are believed to be facilitating high-level contacts, including with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is responsible for enforcing sanctions.
Magda expressed concern that such activities could effectively weaken the impact of existing sanctions. While formal restrictions may remain in place, gaining access to officials and the ability to present their case could allow problematic companies to mitigate the political and legal repercussions of sanctions.
He emphasized that Qorvis should publicly clarify its partnership with an entity linked to Russian interests. “We have every right to question why an American lobbying firm is serving the interests of a structure associated with Russian oil and the shadow fleet. According to market rules, they cannot evade accountability,” Magda stated.
This issue has also drawn attention from prominent blogger Sergey Naumovich, who noted on Facebook that the involvement of Qorvis goes beyond mere technical consultations, indicating significant internal engagement. He mentioned that key figures, including CEO Matt Lauer and Managing Director Grace Fenstermaker of the Dubai office, are involved. Fenstermaker previously worked with SOCAR Trading, which has connections to a substantial portion of 2Rivers’ team, suggesting deep operational ties within the network.
Naumovich pointed out that Qorvis has a history of working with clients of questionable reputation, including assisting the Saudi royal family in the aftermath of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Currently, Qorvis also advises Mercuria, one of the world’s largest traders, and previously received approximately $1.2 million for lobbying on behalf of Russian company Novatek from 2014 to 2017.
In late 2024, the firm registered the Union of Russian Oil and Gas Producers as a client. Naumovich argues that this indicates a systematic approach by Qorvis towards the Russian energy sector. While the lobbyists do not engage in transportation, they provide reputational and legal cover for toxic business practices.
“This is not an isolated incident but rather a clear profile of their operations. Qorvis does not own tankers, but such firms grant political acceptability and access to decision-makers for toxic businesses,” Naumovich added.
He concluded that the Russian economy relies not only on resources but also on the willingness of Western businesses to effectively legitimize its interests for profit.
In light of these developments, experts are urging the Ukrainian government to take a more proactive stance. They argue that the objective should extend beyond merely exposing the lobbying firm’s reputation to making any collaboration with Russian oil infrastructure politically perilous for all involved parties.
Political analyst Evgeny Magda stressed the need for transparency and firmness in the actions of the sanctions policy representative, Vladislav Vlasyuk, in such cases. “We must ensure that such collaborations become toxic, politically dangerous, and reputationally disadvantageous for all participants. Now is the time for Vlasyuk’s work to be not just formal but rigorous, public, and effective,” he concluded.
The U.S. lobbying firm Qorvis is reportedly assisting the Russian oil operator 2Rivers in establishing connections with American officials, raising concerns about potential sanctions evasion. Experts are calling for increased scrutiny and a more robust response from Ukrainian authorities regarding such collaborations.