Police raid on the property of Russian oligarch

German police and customs officials searched properties, including a villa in southern Germany, belonging to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who is subject to European Union sanctions. Investigators had previously examined, among other things, allegations of tax evasion and money laundering.

- There are no reasons for suspicion towards Mr. Usmanov, who has always properly declared his personal assets acquired in accordance with the law, and also disclosed the funds with which he acquired those assets - announced Usmanov's spokesperson in response to a Reuters question.

The agency reminds that in September 2022, the German police searched Usmanov's villa in the holiday town of Rottach-Egern on the shores of Lake Tegernsee. Later, the court ruled the raids were illegal.

The agency reports that a special commission of the German customs office confirmed that it is acting on the basis of court-ordered searches. It announced that for tactical reasons, it cannot provide further details of the operation.

The European Union has extended sanctions imposed on Russians and Russian companies until March 15, 2024, in connection with the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions, which will be in effect for the next six months, apply to 1.8 thousand individuals and companies. They involve a travel ban and freezing of financial assets.