Roman Abramovich complains that human rights are being breached by Jersey criminal investigation

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Martin Macdonald | Writer

Content writer covering football, formula 1 and movies

Roman Abramovich's lawyers have complained to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that his human rights have been breached by the Jersey criminal investigation into his legal affairs.

After the Russian businessman purchased Chelsea in 2003, he launched an unprecedented era of financial investment that fundamentally reshaped the sport's transfer market.

His ownership period marked the most decorated chapter in the club's history, defined by a consistent collection of silverware including multiple Premier League titles and two long-sought-after Champions League wins.

However, Abramovich's tenure ended in 2022 when the UK government sanctioned him for his associations with Vladimir Putin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Deemed unfit to lead a Premier League organisation, he was compelled to sell the club to Clearlake Capital.

He is currently under investigation in Jersey due to allegations of money laundering and corruption. The £2.35billion he received from the sale is frozen in the bank account of Fordstam Ltd, the former parent company of Chelsea, which he owns.

The United Kingdom government, in conjunction with the Government of Jersey, is trying to make Abramovich donate the net profits of the sale to a charitable foundation that will help Ukrainian victims of the war, but he wants the foundation to help the victims of all wars around the world.

Representatives of Abramovich told the Times: “This investigation, which has dragged on for years without charges, transparency or credible evidence, represents a clear abuse of power by the government of Jersey and a violation of fundamental rights.

“Authorities have withheld key information and ignored basic procedural safeguards, showing how this is not a legitimate legal process but one driven by political motives.

“We expect the European court of human rights to recognise these failures and reach the same conclusion.”

His claim at the ECHR details that his right to a fair trial under article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights has been impacted. He also claims that his right to privacy has been impaired by the public nature of the investigation.

A new charitable foundation

Abramovich is planning to establish a new charitable foundation that will aid the victims of war all around the world, not just victims from the war in Ukraine.

A spokesman for Abramovich said: Our understanding is that a foundation is in the process of being registered, which we welcome. Mr Abramovich maintains his intention to donate funds to humanitarian causes once the relevant legal obstacles are resolved.”

The new foundation is set to be run by Mike Penrose, a former Unicef executive, who said:

“I can confirm that I am preparing a submission to the Charity Commission to register a new foundation dedicated to supporting victims of conflict worldwide. I am confident in the strength of the board I have assembled, which brings together individuals with significant experience in humanitarian work across the globe.

“The application will be submitted this week. The foundation’s objectives are aligned with those set out in the deed of undertaking, and we are hopeful that, once the relevant legal matters are resolved, the foundation will be in a position to receive a donation.”

It was previously thought that full £2.35bn he received for selling Chelsea would eventually be given to charity, but it has now been revealed that only net profits will be gifted, as loans need to be repaid.

The current financial breakdown suggests that only around £923 million—less than half of the total sale proceeds—is currently slated for the charity. This is because a significant portion of the funds is tied up in company liabilities. Specifically, Fordstam owes £1.429 billion to Camberley International Investments Limited, a Jersey-based entity also owned by Abramovich.

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