Finnish authorities seize villa belonging to sanctioned russian oligarch Boris Rotenberg over debts

This was reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle.

According to journalists, the businessman did not pay property tax, which amounted to several thousand euros. Due to the sanctions imposed on him, he cannot transfer money to accounts in Finnish banks.

Earlier, the Finnish authorities seized commercial property in Helsinki that belonged to Rotenberg's company. The reason for the seizure was a debt of €27,000 for utility services.

Lawyer Mikko Mante, who represents the russian oligarch's interests in Finland, said that the seizure of the property in Helsinki was lifted after the debt was repaid. However, according to Yle, the Finnish authorities managed to sell one of the properties.

Mantere said that the issue of the villa in Hanko is also ‘under consideration’ and that the seizure will soon be lifted.

In April 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on a number of russian oligarchs, including Boris Rotenberg. Prior to that, the United States also added him to its sanctions lists.

After the introduction of European sanctions in 2022, Finland seized the assets of russian billionaires Boris Rotenberg and his brother Arkady, who is also under sanctions. In particular, due to restrictions, the Helsinki Halli stadium in Helsinki, whose owners included the Rotenbergs, stood idle for more than two years. In 2024, they sold their shares in Helsinki Halli Oy, the company that manages the stadium.

Source: Suspilne, Yle