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The Guardian World1 min read
Roman Abramovich takes Jersey to European human rights court over Chelsea sale proceeds
TL;DR
Roman Abramovich has taken his case to the European Court of Human Rights, claiming that Jersey's investigation into his finances violates his human rights. The investigation has frozen £5.3bn of his assets and could affect the £2.4bn proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC.
Key points
- Roman Abramovich claims human rights violations by Jersey authorities
- Investigation into his finances includes corruption and money laundering allegations
- £5.3bn of his assets are frozen in Jersey
- £2.4bn from Chelsea sale promised to Ukraine war victims
- Investigation could classify sale proceeds as proceeds of crime
Mentioned in this story
Roman AbramovichEuropean Court of Human RightsJerseyChelsea FC
Ukraine war victims
Roman Abramovich has gone to the European court of human rights (ECHR), claiming that a criminal investigation into his financial affairs by the Jersey authorities has breached his human rights, according to reports.
The former owner of Chelsea FC, who is sanctioned in the UK over his links to Vladimir Putin, is under investigation in Jersey over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
In a claim filed to the ECHR, lawyers for Abramovich said the actions taken by the Channel Island, where £5.3bn of his assets are frozen, were “unfair and abusive”.
The investigation has previously led a company owned by the billionaire oligarch to warn that the £2.4bn proceeds of the sale of Chelsea, which have been promised to the victims of the Ukraine war but are yet to be released, could be viewed by Jersey as the proceed of crime.
Representatives of Abramovich told the Times: “This investigation, which has dragged on for years without charges, transparency or credible evidence, represents a clear abuse of power by the government of Jersey and a violation of fundamental rights.
“Authorities have withheld key information and ignored basic procedural safeguards, showing how this is not a legitimate legal process but one driven by political motives.”
“We expect the European court of human rights to recognise these failures and reach the same conclusion.”
Abramovich has previously succeeded in a legal attempt to force ministers and other senior figures in Jersey to produce private messages, emails and other data related to him that would be made public as result of the investigation.
His claim at the ECHR argues that his right to a fair trial under article 6 of the European convention on human rights has been infringed, according to the Times, which first reported the filing.
According to the report, Abramovich also claims that his right to privacy, under article 8, was breached by a public announcement about the investigation made by Jersey in 2022, because he had not been charged with any offence.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Roman Abramovich in Jersey?
Roman Abramovich is under investigation in Jersey for allegations of corruption and money laundering.
How much of Abramovich's assets are frozen in Jersey?
£5.3bn of Roman Abramovich's assets are currently frozen in Jersey.
What could happen to the proceeds from Chelsea's sale due to the investigation?
The investigation could lead Jersey to view the £2.4bn proceeds from Chelsea's sale as proceeds of crime, delaying their release to victims of the Ukraine war.
