Although Roman Abramovichdemonstrated his intention to help Ukraine by participating in peace talks with Russia following their invasion of their neighbouring country, it may not be all as rosy as it seems.
According to several reports, the Chelsea owner had thoroughly planned his moves in his bid to avoid possible sanctions directly affecting his assets.
Abramovich’s property
According to the latest information, the Russian businessman was aware of Putin‘s intentions to invade Ukraine and he decided to move his property around and keep it safe from sanctions.
In fact, by participating in peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenski, he was able to buy time and freeze possible US sanctions, which were about to be implemented, due to his key role in negotiations, and thus keep his wealth intact in countries such as Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The first thing that has attracted attention is that his two mega-yachts are safe in Turkey. ‘Eclipse’ has had no problems in the southwest port of Marmaris, while the other vessel called ‘Solaris’ is still in the resort of Bodrum.
As if this were not enough, Abramovich‘s fleet of jets and helicopters have been moving around from Israel to Russia and from there to Saudi Arabia in order to avoid being traced and affected by the sanctions.
Insider information
The curious thing about the oligarch’s moves is that all his plans began before the UK placed his assets on the spotlight.
The Guardian brought to light how his yacht ‘Aquamarine’ and the company MHC changed ownership on the exact day that Russia launched their military operation.
The vessel, which is 50 metres long, is in a dry dock in the Dutch port of Vlissingen and covered with tarpaulins and scaffolding in what looks like repair and overhaul work. A ship that, until 24 February, belonged to Abramovich, but a day later belonged to his close associate David Davidovich.
Meanwhile, Davidovich confirmed to the British newspaper that both the ‘Aquamarine’ and the company MHC Jersey Ltd, based in Jersey, which is registered as the owner of the yacht in the MarineTraffic maritime database, are his property.
The Wall Street Journal confirmed in the aftermath of the invasion that Norma Investments, which was owned by Abramovich, also passed to Davidovich on that same day.
With Chelsea in the background
MHC is registered at the London team’s Stamford Bridge stadium, which, despite not being directly connected to the sports club, does provide consultancy work and services, as can be seen in various company documents.
So far, Abramovich‘s plan seems to be working out well for the Russian oligarch. Last week, the Dutch government announced that 14 unidentified yachts linked to sanctioned Russian individuals have been seized by Dutch customs authorities as part of proposed EU sanctions, with 12 of these vessels being currently in the construction docks. Curiously, ‘Aquamarine’ is not among those seized yachts.
Marca
