Thu 10 March 2022:
The United Kingdom’s government says it has imposed asset freezes on seven Russian businessmen, including Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, after they were added to the country’s sanctions list.
“There can be no safe havens for those who have supported [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
In a government document posted online, Abramovich is described as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch” who has had a “close relationship” with Putin for “decades”.
Abramovich has previously denied having close ties with Putin or the Kremlin.
SANCTIONED: 7 Russian oligarchs targeted in £15bn sanction hit – including Abramovich and Deripaska
The List ⬇️https://t.co/j1ehzJCjTq pic.twitter.com/gsLV3KtVxR
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 10, 2022
The document stated that Abramovich has had a close relationship with Putin “for decades” and that the association has led to him benefitting financially.
The UK government said: “This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the government of Russia. This includes tax breaks received by companies linked to Abramovich, buying and selling shares from and to the state at favourable rates, and the contracts received in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup. Therefore, Abramovich has received preferential treatment and concessions from Putin and the government of Russia.”
The measures mean that Abramovich cannot sell Chelsea or invest in the club. The 55-year-old put the club up for sale last week and had been hoping for a deal to go through quickly. There has been interest in the club from several parties.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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