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Cyprus police investigate Roman Abramovich's financial affairs
Cypriot authorities have launched a formal investigation into the financial activities of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. The probe, conducted by the police's Financial Intelligence Unit, follows investigative reports from the BBC, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ), and other media partners regarding the management of his offshore business empire.
The investigation focuses on allegations that professional advisers, including staff at the Cypriot branch of the accounting firm Deloitte and corporate service provider MeritServus, assisted in falsifying and backdating documents. These actions reportedly allowed companies beneficially owned by Abramovich to move billions of dollars in assets from Cyprus to the British Virgin Islands to evade taxes and bypass public disclosure requirements.
Specific findings highlighted that in 2006, accounts signed off by Deloitte in Cyprus allegedly resulted in approximately $672 million in assets—including superyachts, mansions, and private jets—vanishing from Abramovich's company accounts. The police are currently examining events occurring between 2003 and 2006, with the investigation expected to last several months.
Lawyers for Abramovich have stated that he denies all allegations of tax evasion or concealing his fortune. Deloitte Cyprus has maintained that it operates in compliance with all applicable laws.
Entities
BBC · Cyprus · Cyprus Police · Deloitte · Guardian · MeritServus · Roman Abramovich
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] $672 million in assets including yachts and jets disappeared from company accounts in 2006. www.bbc.co.uk · segundoasegundo.com · news.az · www.thepressroom.gr · www.thetoc.gr · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Deloitte Cyprus claims it acts in compliance with applicable laws. www.bbc.co.uk · segundoasegundo.com · news.az · www.lifo.gr · www.thetoc.gr · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Cypriot police have opened a financial investigation into Roman Abramovich. www.bbc.co.uk · segundoasegundo.com · news.az · www.thepressroom.gr · www.thetoc.gr · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The police investigation is estimated to last approximately six months. www.athletiko.gr · www.lifo.gr · www.powergame.gr · news.az
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Assets were transferred from Cyprus to the British Virgin Islands to avoid tax and disclosure laws. www.occrp.org
- [● 9 SOURCES] Deloitte Cyprus and MeritServus are accused of helping to falsify and backdate documents. www.bbc.co.uk · segundoasegundo.com · news.az · www.lifo.gr · www.sondakika.com · +4 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Roman Abramovich denies evading taxes or concealing his fortune. www.bbc.co.uk · segundoasegundo.com · news.az · www.occrp.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] The police investigation is expected to focus on events from 2003 to 2006. www.athletiko.gr · www.lifo.gr · www.powergame.gr