Abramovich refused to give Ukraine money from the sale of Chelsea

russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has refused to transfer funds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to humanitarian aid for Ukraine until the government of the British offshore island of Jersey stops its investigation and withdraws its lawsuit against him. This was reported by The Times on Monday, 29 December.

According to the publication, Abramovich hired a team of lawyers led by former US presidential adviser Eric Gershman to prevent the transfer of £1.4 billion frozen in Jersey accounts to Ukraine. According to The Times, the russian businessman also intends to ignore the demands of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer until the end of the case.

In September, it became known that the authorities of the island of Jersey, a British offshore territory in the English Channel, had launched an investigation against Abramovich on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. In particular, the investigation is trying to establish the origin of Abramovich's wealth, which he acquired in russia in the 1990s and 2000s. In addition, the Jersey authorities suspect the russian businessman of violating sanctions against him.

In December, the British government warned that either Abramovich would transfer the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to Ukraine for humanitarian aid, or the case would be referred to court.

Source: Deutsche Welle