Abramovich's aide fails to lift UK sanctions

Eugene Shvidler was sanctioned in part because of his relationship with Roman Abramovich. Photo: COLORSPORT/DANIEL BEARHAM

A billionaire ally of Roman Abramovich lost a lawsuit to lift UK sanctions imposed on him after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Yevgeny Shvidler's two private jets were confiscated in March 2022 after after officials highlighted his longstanding friendship with Mr. Abramovich and his close ties to the Russian steel company Evraz.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department (FCDO) described the incident as the Soviet-born billionaire «business partner» of the former owner of Chelsea Football Club.

Mr Shvidler's failed High Court appeal against sanctions is the first of its kind in the UK and could have wide-ranging implications. the consequences for others who hope to receive similar appeals.

His objection stemmed from allegations that officials who wanted to make him a “poster boy” for anti-Russian sanctions were wrongfully harassing him.

Mr Shvidler, who is worth an estimated £1.1bn, denied that he had ever benefited from the Russian state and said his family was also affected by the UK sanctions.

Harrow School withdrew its offer to enroll Mr Shvidler's son when his father was sanctioned while his daughter was ordered not to return to Wiltshire Marlborough College with an income of £45,000 a year, despite the fact that She has already completed her studies. A-levels.

Describing the billionaire's case as «hopeless», trial judge Mr Justice Garnham said on Friday: «It is clear from all the evidence that the reason the plaintiff was [sanctioned] was not only his role in Evraz, but this role with his relationship with Mr. Abramovich.»

A Bombardier Global Express private jet similar to the one seized from Mr Shvidler Credit: Photo/Lauri Huim

Mr Abramovich was one of the first Russians to be sanctioned by the UK after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He allegedly had close ties to Vladimir Putin's regime, and at some point in 2022 he was offered as a negotiator to help end the Russian invasion.

Mr Putin «personally approved» Mr. Abramovich, who plays such a diplomatic role, was denounced by the High Court.

Mr Shvidler admitted that he and the former Chelsea owner had been friends since 1986 and recently became a business partner.

Both oligarchs are linked to Evraz, a London-listed Russian steel company.

Mr. Shvidler served on Evraz's board of directors for ten years until he resigned the same day he was sanctioned.

>In the early stages of his proposal to lift the March 2022 sanctions year, he personally wrote to Liz Truss, then Foreign Secretary, to present his case to the court.

Lawyer Michael O'Kane said that Mr. Surrey will seek to appeal Friday's decision «at the earliest opportunity.»

Mr Shvidler «has never been a Russian citizen, has not visited Russia for over 15 years and has been critical of the Russian government's actions in Ukraine ,» added Mr. O'Kane.

Mr. Abramovich is also currently petitioning the EU courts to lift the invasion-related sanctions imposed on him by Brussels, he has already partially lifted a UK decision that described him as “involved in the destabilization of Ukraine.”

Approximately 1,600 people were sanctioned by the UK after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.