Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s legal team has demanded that Germany’s Left party remove a 2021 article from its Ecological Platform, which labeled him “the largest polluter among billionaires” due to alleged ownership of a 162.5-meter superyacht, a Gulfstream G650 jet, two helicopters, and a submarine. The legal team asserts the assets are not his and warned of potential legal action if the post remains online.
Die Linke, the Left party, has refused to delete the article, stating the claims were “confirmed by a number of sources, including official state data.” A co-chair of its parliamentary group, Jan van Aken, said the party would welcome Abramovich’s disclosure of his finances in a German court, adding that knowing his assets could aid Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia following the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, freezing over $300 billion in reserves and seizing assets from individuals accused of profiting from the war. Moscow has called the measures “outright theft.”
Forbes listed Abramovich, who holds Russian, Israeli, and Portuguese citizenship, as having a $14.5 billion net worth in 2021. Earlier this year, his representatives disputed an article linking him to alleged financial ties with the Kremlin, calling it “defamatory and wholly inaccurate.” A resolution was reached after the publication issued clarifications.
Abramovich’s £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion) proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club remain frozen in the UK, with authorities insisting the funds be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction. He sold the club to US investors after being sanctioned by London, denying any connections to the Kremlin. Abramovich claims the money should support victims on both sides, but the dispute persists.