UK drops sanctions evasion probe into Russian billionaire Fridman

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has closed an investigation into alleged sanctions evasion by Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman, the agency's spokesman told news agency Bloomberg on Sept. 15.

"The NCA can confirm that it will take no further action against Mikhail Fridman based on the warrant executed at Athlone House in December 2022," he said.

“Inquiries are ongoing in relation to associated suspects who fall under the wider investigation.”

Read also: Ukraine’s economic security agency charges Russian oligarch Fridman with money laundering

Fridman is a Russian billionaire, and the co-owner of a number of companies, including Alfa-Bank and Morshynska mineral water brand. The oligarch also holds Israeli citizenship.

The NCA arrested Fridman on suspicion of money laundering. He was later released on bail. More than 50 officers were involved in the large-scale searches of the businessman's London home. The searches resulted in the seizure of a number of digital devices and a significant amount of cash.

Read also: The Ukrainian business holdings of Russia’s oligarchs

On Sept. 5, Ukraine’s SBU security service charged Fridman with financing actions committed with the aim of violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, change of the boundaries of the territory or state border of Ukraine, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy (under Part 3 of Article 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the SBU, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Fridman "injected" about RUR 2 billion ($20.7 million) into the military plants of the Russian Federation.

Read also: Fridman company threatens to sue Ukraine over JSC Sense Bank nationalization

The Russian oligarch faces up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property if convicted in Ukraine.

Fridman was the subject of an investigation by Ukrainian journalist Mykhailo Tkach and refused to answer the question whether he considers Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a war criminal, citing a "ban from lawyers."

In February 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on fellow businessman Petr Aven, as well as Fridman, because of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In August 2023, Fridman was also sanctioned by the United States.

Last September, Fridman was sanctioned by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine