Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law published on Tuesday that will provide him with lasting legal immunity.
The legislation means he and his family are safe from prosecution even after he leaves office.
Previously, Russian leaders only enjoyed legal immunity for the duration of their time in office but protection now extends to cover any wrongdoing that is revealed after the president has left office.
Former president Dmitry Medvedev is also now immune from prosecution, according to independent media portal meduza.io.
High treason
The new law also makes it more complicated to remove a leader's immunity, with higher barriers and a more complex procedure involved. It would only be possible to lift a leader's immunity if they were suspected of high treason or a serious crime.
The process would have to be introduced by the lower house of Russia's Federal Assembly, or State Duma, and the final decision would lie with the upper house, known as the Federal Council.
During the summer, Putin passed a set of controversial constitutional amendments that will enable him to stay in power until 2036. He has so far left open whether he plans to stand for election again in 2024.
