Key Facts
• September 7, 2025: The Guardian reports investigation into Roman Abramovich.
• Jersey authorities allege corruption and money laundering linked to $13 billion oil sale.
• Swiss court approved access to Abramovich-linked bank documents for investigation.
• Abramovich denies all allegations through his legal team.
• Jersey Island reportedly served as a route for transferring funds to the West.
• Investigation focuses on wealth amassed during Russia’s 1990–2000 economic turmoil.
• Abramovich sold Chelsea Football Club in 2022 after Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
Summary
Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire close to President Vladimir Putin, is under investigation by Jersey authorities for alleged corruption and money laundering. The probe centers on funds from his $13 billion sale of oil giant Sibneft in 2005 and aims to trace the origins of his wealth during Russia’s post-Soviet economic chaos. Jersey Island is suspected to have been a key route for transferring his assets to the West. Swiss courts have granted access to Abramovich-linked bank documents to aid the investigation. Abramovich, through his lawyers, denies all allegations, calling them baseless. Once the owner of Chelsea Football Club, he sold the team in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
