Bad news for Roman Abramovich: The Channel Island of Jersey has frozen several billion US dollars from the Chelsea owner. This is also made possible by the special status of the island.
The government of the Channel Island of Jersey has said it has frozen assets worth $7 billion (€6.47 billion) from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The Royal Court in the capital Saint Helier issued a corresponding order, the local judicial authority said on Wednesday.
This 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.
One of Jersey’s wealthiest residents
The multi-billionaire is considered one of the richest residents of Jersey. He had previously been sanctioned by the EU and the UK. Most recently, the 55-year-old was present at the Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations in Istanbul.
Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom but, as a so-called crown estate, is directly subordinate to the royal family. The island decides independently about judicial issues. London is solely responsible for foreign and defense policy.