Russian oligarch Abramovich suspected of sanctions evasion in Germany – media

This was reported by DW, citing German media, as relayed by Ukrinform.

According to media reports, four luxury cars worth several million euros have been seized in the town of Ober-Sülm in southern Germany. These vehicles include two Bugatti Chiron, a Lamborghini Reventón, and a Mercedes CLK GTR. The cars can no longer be sold, leased, or mortgaged.

In addition, investigators from the Federal Criminal Police Office and the Central Sanctions Enforcement Office have conducted several searches at a 19th-century villa, Leitenschlössl, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Several works of art have been confiscated. Back in 2005, the local mayor stated that the villa had been purchased by Abramovich. Locals also reported seeing the Russian oligarch there. The property is now owned by a company named Parados Limited from Luxembourg.

German authorities suspect that the cars and the villa are owned by Abramovich, and that he failed to disclose this to the German authorities, thereby violating the law.

Abramovich’s lawyer claimed that his client is not the ultimate owner of either the villa or the cars.

If Abramovich is found guilty, he could face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine in Germany.

As reported by Ukrinform, businessman Roman Abramovich holds Russian, Israeli, and Portuguese citizenship. He is the majority shareholder of Evraz, a major Russian corporation in the metallurgy and mining sectors.

Abramovich also played a key role as a mediator during the gradual transfer of key media assets from the Yeltsin family circle to Putin’s allies.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the European Council froze the assets of major businessmen involved in sectors that provide significant revenue to the Russian government.

In December, the European Court of Justice upheld the restrictive measures imposed by the EU Council against Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.