Latest news with #Abramovich
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Abramovich business associate Eugene Shvidler fails to overturn UK sanctions
A business associate of the oligarch Roman Abramovich has failed to overturn sanctions imposed on him after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, after a supreme court judgment seen as a test case for the UK's sanctions regime. Eugene Shvidler served on the board of companies owned by the former owner of Chelsea football club and now lives in the US. He was placed under sanctions by the UK government in March 2022 as part of measures to target Russia-linked oligarchs and officials after Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. Shvidler, who was born in the USSR in 1964, grew up in Moscow but is now a British citizen, had challenged his designation at the high court in 2023 and then appealed against that decision last year. He argued the measures caused disproportionate hardship and discriminated against him as a Russian-born person, while also claiming he was not closely associated enough to Abramovich to justify the Foreign Office's move. On Tuesday, a majority decision of four supreme court justices to one dismissed the businessman's appeal, saying that sanctions had to be tough to be effective. The judgment stated: 'Sanctions often have to be severe and open-ended if they are to be effective. The object of the designation in relation to Mr Shvidler is that he should so far as possible be disabled from enjoying his assets and pursuing his wealthy lifestyle.' The judges added: 'We accept that [the government's] evidence establishes that there is a rational connection between the designation of Mr Shvidler and the aim of this sanction … as the courts … correctly recognised in Mr Shvidler's case, the effectiveness of a sanctions regime depends on the cumulative effect of the measures imposed under that regime. The imposition of sanctions in relation to Mr Shvidler contributes to that cumulative effect.' However, in a 20-page dissenting judgment, Lord Leggatt said he disagreed with the majority's decision that the sanctions were lawful, describing it as 'Orwellian' and arguing he did not consider the government had shown a rational connection between the freezing of Shvidler's assets and the objective of sanctions. 'I do not consider that the reasons relied on by the government come close to justifying such a drastic curtailment of his liberty,' he wrote. Shvidler said: 'This supreme court judgment brings me back to the USSR, which I left as a stateless refugee 36 years ago, seeking sanctuary in the US. Back then, individuals could be stripped of their rights with little or no protections and that is how I feel about this judgment.' The UK government imposed sanctions on Shvidler on grounds including that he was associated with Abramovich, who in turn had obtained a benefit from or supported the government of Russia. The Foreign Office argued the men were associated because Shvidler was a long-serving director of Evraz, a steel and mining company in which Abramovich was a leading shareholder. It said he had also served as chair of Millhouse LLC, the Moscow-based arm of the UK company that managed assets for Abramovich and Shvidler himself. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion In a related case, the judges unanimously dismissed an appeal by Dalston Projects Ltd, a St Kitts and Nevis company that owns a luxury yacht that has been detained at a London dock. The ultimate owner of the yacht is Sergei Naumenko, a Russian citizen and resident who said he had been prevented from earning substantial income from chartering the vessel. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select 'Secure Messaging'. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post See our guide at for alternative methods and the pros and cons of each.
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Synagogue set alight, protest at Israeli restaurant
An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
The Guardian
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Levi Colwill takes on central role as Chelsea seek ‘winners only' mentality
Chelsea never won any popularity contests during the Roman Abramovich era. Calling them obnoxious is intended as a compliment. Infused with a champion spirit after appointing José Mourinho in 2004, Chelsea were renowned for their resilience and snarl, impossible to intimidate and more concerned with winning trophies than whether outsiders thought they were a great bunch of lads or liked their style of play. Their mentality was unrivalled and lasted even after Mourinho left. Since Abramovich's sale in 2022, though, Chelsea have gone down a very different road when it comes to building a dressing room culture. There are no ready-made talents arriving at Stamford Bridge and there have been plenty of times during the past three years when supporters have been left wondering why a team once marshalled by Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba were so lacking in character. Abramovich's successors are done listening to their critics, though. Pilloried for embarking on a strategy of targeting young players on long contracts, the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership sense vindication is coming. The argument that leaders can be developed is starting to hold water, even if it remains valid to argue that bringing in an established star or two in key positions could help Chelsea get over the line in the big competitions. Paris Saint-Germain did not win the Champions League with a team of kids; they also had Marquinhos (31) in defence, Fabián Ruiz (29) playing brilliantly in midfield and Ousmane Dembélé (28) scoring for fun up front. Even so, there is a growing feeling Chelsea will emerge from the adversity and upheaval that followed the change of ownership with a stronger mentality and greater togetherness. There was particular satisfaction at how they fared against Benfica in the last 16 of the Club World Cup last Saturday. An implosion would not have been surprising after a weather delay lasting close to two hours was followed by Benfica forcing extra time after a controversial 95th-minute penalty. Chelsea responded, winning 4-1 to set up a quarter-final with Palmeiras on Saturday, and much was made internally of Levi Colwill's performance after normal time. True, it was risky when the centre-back wagged a finger at the referee, Slavko Vincic, and appeared to swear at the Slovenian after Benfica were awarded their spot-kick. There are usually ramifications for behaving like that and Colwill was lucky not to receive at least a yellow card. Chelsea will expect the 22-year-old to channel his emotions better. Equally, though, they like Colwill is showing fight and desire. He has stepped up and taken on more responsibility in recent months. Colwill scored the winner when Chelsea clinched Champions League qualification by beating Nottingham Forest at the end of last season and his aggression proved vital against Benfica. He refused to be bullied and was involved in the game's turning point, pressing high to win possession and drawing Gianluca Prestianni into a foul that led to the 19-year-old forward being sent off with the game locked at 1-1. There is room for improvement. As an academy product, Colwill is under more pressure than most to show leadership in central defence. Fans demand a lot from one of their own. Proving that you can be the next Terry is not easy. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Colwill knows that he is not the finished article. He has toughened up during the past 12 months, but Chelsea want him to bulk up even more and become more dominant in the air. 'We could be here for ages,' he says after being asked what part of his game needs to be better. 'I am nowhere near where I would like to be. Defending one-v-one has been tough, but I think I've proved that I'm getting a bit better. I'm good at times when I'm trying to make passes and there are other times where I've been a bit lazy.' The England international is hard on himself. 'You've got to be if you want to be the best and strive for the best things possible,' he says. 'You might think a pass is easy – you can take your mind off it. You take your mind off something for half a second and that can make a big, big difference. 'We all know how big this club is and how the culture of the club has always been to win. We're just trying to reinforce that to the young boys, to the boys coming in, that this club is for winners only. That's what we need to strive towards. That's what we want to do together.' Colwill echoed what Chelsea are saying internally. They see a group of kids growing together. There was amusement at the otherwise languid Cole Palmer losing his cool and picking up a booking for getting involved in a shoving match after Prestianni's red card. Perhaps some of the old snarl is returning.
Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Ministers must walk a careful tightrope in Abramovich case
Threats from British ministers to sue Roman Abramovich have brought the Russian billionaire back into the spotlight. A fortnight after Russia invaded Ukraine, Liz Truss, then foreign secretary, announced sanctions against seven of the wealthiest Russian oligarchs. On her list was Abramovich, who at the time owned Chelsea FC. His assets were frozen, a prohibition was placed his on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, and he was subjected to a travel ban. Having owned Chelsea since 2003, Abramovich was granted a special licence to sell the club, provided he could prove that he would not benefit from the deal. In May 2022, Todd Boehly led a consortium, later known as BlueCo, which bought Chelsea — and the sale proceeds remain frozen in a UK bank account linked to Abramovich. While he cannot gain access to the money, it legally belongs to him. This month the government threatened legal action to ensure that the frozen £2.5 billion is ring-fenced to fund humanitarian causes only in Ukraine. Issuing a joint statement, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, and David Lammy, the foreign secretary, said: 'While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts, if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.' • Roman Abramovich: government threatens to sue former Chelsea owner over sale The three-year delay in the funds being released centres on sustained disagreement between the UK government and Abramovich. Through his lawyers, the oligarch argues that a much wider set of beneficiaries should receive money, with proceeds being donated via a foundation 'for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine'. That would include Russian soldiers and other charitable causes outside Ukraine. After three years of fruitless discussion, the government is now seeking to break the impasse. But after the threat of legal action against Abramovich — intended to force his hand as Reeves and Lammy have outlined — the government must now walk a legal tightrope in proving its case. They must be careful not to set a precedent for asset-freezing cases that undermines the rule of law, or invites future legal challenges from other sanctioned parties. An attempt by the government to force a release of the sale proceeds will risk a legal confrontation with the established sanctions framework. Legally, they must be dealt with under the terms of the licence granted by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. However, it is conceivable that if ministers proceed down this road, other legal avenues might be considered, such as those under international investment treaties, depending on the circumstances. Manifestly, turning a high-profile Premier League transaction into a High Court test case for sanctions enforcement will not be straightforward — there are no easy games at this Hastings is a partner at Quillon Law
Russia Today
10-06-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Russian tycoon Abramovich ‘done' with professional football
Russian businessman Roman Abramovich has said he no longer intends to be involved in professional football or own any club again, according to a new book excerpt cited by the Daily Mail. Abramovich was forced to sell the football club Chelsea to a US-led consortium shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. The UK government imposed sanctions on him in March 2022 over his alleged Kremlin ties. The tycoon has denied the allegations and acted as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev on several occasions. In an interview with Nick Purewal, the author of a book titled 'Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC', Abramovich confirmed he has 'no interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.' 'As for ownership or a professional role at a club, I am done with that in this lifetime,' he was cited as saying. He added that he still wishes to attend a Chelsea match in the future 'to say a proper goodbye,' but reiterated he has no plans for further involvement in the sport. However, he expressed a willingness to support initiatives for underprivileged youth if a meaningful opportunity arises. The British government has increased pressure on Abramovich to approve the release of the £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) proceeds from the Chelsea sale to Ukraine. Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned in a joint statement that the UK is prepared to take legal action if he does not authorize the transfer. 'The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine,' the statement read. While the money is frozen in a UK account, Abramovich remains its legal owner and must approve its distribution. According to The Guardian, officials have held extensive talks with Abramovich's legal team but have failed to resolve a 'fundamental disagreement' over how the funds should be used. Abramovich has insisted the proceeds be used to assist victims of the conflict on both sides, not exclusively Ukraine.
