In the context of investigations against Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, German authorities searched the premises of the Frankfurt and Munich branches of major Swiss bank UBS on Tuesday.
The objective of the search was to find evidence of certain business relations between Usmanov, suspected of money laundering, FAZ reported citing sources from the relevant authorities.
Usmanov is seen as a close confidante of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is among those sanctioned by the EU following the invasion of Ukraine. The oligarch, who is estimated to be among the world’s 100 wealthiest people, owns the Kommersant publishing house and co-owns Russia’s second-largest telephone operator, among other things.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt, which leads the investigations, confirmed having searched the two buildings. Speaking to FAZ, a spokesperson stressed that there are no allegations against the bank or its employees but that the step was solely meant to secure evidence related to the money laundering investigation.
According to the prosecutors, Usmanov is suspected of having launched several transactions between 2017 and 2022 meant to conceal the origin of payments, which are thought to be linked to criminal activities.
Several weeks ago, assets, including valuables and artwork like a Marc Chagall painting, had been found in a mansion and other properties in the prestigious area around lake Tegernsee in Bavaria in the context of the same investigation.
(Julia Dahm | EURACTIV.de)
Source: euractiv.com
