Roman Abramovich has lodged a claim with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that a criminal investigation by Jersey authorities into his financial affairs breaches his human rights, according to reports. The former Chelsea FC owner, under UK sanctions for his ties to Vladimir Putin, is being investigated in Jersey over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
In the claim, Abramovich's lawyers describe the freezing of £5.3bn of his assets in the Channel Island as 'unfair and abusive'. The investigation has led a company owned by the oligarch to suggest that the £2.4bn proceeds from the sale of Chelsea, promised to victims of the Ukraine war but not yet released, could be considered proceeds of crime by Jersey.
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.' They added that authorities have withheld key information and ignored procedural safeguards, indicating political motives.
The claim argues that Abramovich's right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights has been infringed, and that his right to privacy under Article 8 was breached by a public announcement about the investigation in 2022, as he had not been charged. The UK government is the official respondent to the claim.
Abramovich's representatives say the Jersey case is delaying the release of Chelsea sale funds. The British government has threatened to sue to force the release, wanting the money ringfenced for Ukraine. Abramovich has indicated he wants more flexibility over how the funds, pledged for charitable purposes, are spent, potentially allowing diversion to areas annexed by Russia.
