Abramovich still can’t find home in Western Europe
Roman Abramovich. Photo credit: busybuddiesng.
Chelsea FC owner, Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch is still searching for a permanent home in Western Europe since his travails with British authorities began due to the U.K face off with Russia.
Yesterday, the multimillionaire businessman and politician was forced to withdraw his application for residency in Switzerland when it became obvious the Swiss authorities will eject his bid.
Abramovich’s lawyers alleged that Swiss officials used ‘defamatory’ language involving money laundering and links to organized crime.
The Chelsea financier apparently wanted to relocate to the Alpine town of Bagnes, which is known for the Verbier ski resort and a tax structure that allows residents to pay fixed rates based on the value of their property.
The Russian-born Abramovich, who had split his time between Moscow and London, received Israeli citizenship this year after his British visa was not renewed, apparently as part of British authorities’ efforts to crack down on associates of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
According to Skysports, Abramovich’s representatives vehemently rejected claims made by a Swiss publisher following a lengthy legal battle, which resulted in the Chelsea owner being denied Swiss residency earlier this year.
Tamedia alleged in a newspaper article on Tuesday that the Russian had his Swiss residency application rejected because he posed a risk to public security and reputational risk.
They also allege that Swiss police reported that Abramovich was “known for suspicion of money laundering” and that assets are “at least of illegal origin”.
Sky Sports News contacted Abramovic’s camp for comment on the allegations.
Attorney Daniel Glasl said: “We are extremely disappointed by the release and publication of confidential information from Swiss government files regarding Mr. Abramovich, which occurred in clear violation of Swiss criminal law and Swiss data protection laws.
“We have filed a request for correction of facts to the Swiss Federal Police and will be filing a criminal complaint against unknown persons responsible for dissemination of this confidential information.
We also reserve our options for addressing this breach in court.
“Any suggestion that Mr. Abramovich has been involved in money laundering or has contacts with criminal organizations is entirely false.
Mr. Abramovich has never been charged with participating in money laundering and does not have a criminal record.
He has never had, or been alleged to have, connections with criminal organisations.”
As tensions have risen between the U.K. and Russia following the Salisbury poisoning, earlier this year Abramovich ran into problems while renewing his U.K. Residency visa. In May, he became an Israeli citizen.
Chelsea postponed plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge that month and denied reports over the summer that he was looking to sell the football club.
