The Abramovich case in Germany: bank searches, sanctions, and suspicions of circumventing restrictions
28 January 20:05
In Germany, investigators conducted searches at Deutsche Bank’s central office in Frankfurt am Main and at the bank’s branch in Berlin. The investigation is linked to possible financial transactions by companies that, according to the investigation, may have been associated with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who is subject to sanctions.
This was reported by the German publication Spiegel, citing sources in law enforcement agencies, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What exactly is being investigated
According to the prosecutor’s office, the investigation is being conducted on suspicion of money laundering. Investigators are checking whether Deutsche Bank had business relationships with foreign companies in the past that could have been used to legalize funds.
About 30 employees of the Federal Criminal Police Office entered the bank’s headquarters in the morning, acting on behalf of the prosecutor’s office.
The position of the bank and Abramovich
Deutsche Bank confirmed the investigation and stated that it is cooperating with the German authorities.
Roman Abramovich’s lawyer told Spiegel that his client was allegedly unaware of any investigations by German law enforcement agencies. According to the defense, Abramovich “has always acted in accordance with applicable national and international law.”
Sanctions, suspicions, and previous cases
Roman Abramovich is subject to EU sanctions. This is not the first time that German law enforcement agencies have investigated possible schemes to circumvent restrictions. Last year, four luxury cars were seized in Germany, which, according to the investigation, may belong to the oligarch.
The Frankfurt am Main prosecutor’s office suspects him of violating the sanctions regime.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been officially brought against the bank or the individuals involved in the case.
