Jersey freezes $7 billion from Abramovich
The government of the British Channel Island of Jersey has also frozen assets worth seven billion US dollars (6.45 billion euros) from Abramovich. The Royal Court in the capital Saint Helier issued a corresponding order, the local judicial authority said on Wednesday. The multi-billionaire is considered one of the richest residents of Jersey. He had previously been sanctioned by the EU and Great Britain.
The decision affects assets associated with the previous owner of London football club Chelsea FC, which are either located in the Channel Island or owned by companies incorporated in Jersey. In addition, several premises were searched.
Abramovich was recently present at the Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in Istanbul. Shortly after the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, he announced that he wanted to sell Champions League winners Chelsea. The preferred bidder for the football club is to be announced on Easter Monday.
Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom but, as a so-called crown estate, is directly subordinate to the British royal family. The island decides independently about judicial issues. London is solely responsible for foreign and defense policy.
