Russian-born businessman, former owner of Chelsea Football Club (2003-2022) and former governor of Russia's Chukotka region, with shareholdings in Evraz and Norilsk Nickel.
Most recent filing 22 Sep 2026Last confirmed 26 Oct 202642 sources
Question
What is Roman Abramovich’s legal position?
Present position
Under investigationPresent position
As of late April 2026 the Jersey investigation remained open and no charges had been brought; his lawyers state he denies any criminal activity.
Detail
Jersey criminal investigation and asset freeze relating to Abramovich-linked trusts
Under investigation
As of late April 2026 the Jersey investigation remained open and no charges had been brought; his lawyers state he denies any criminal activity.123456
Authority
Attorney General of Jersey; Royal Court of Jersey
Status as of
Apr 2026
History
Mar 2022The Attorney General of Jersey began an investigation into assets linked to Abramovich.
Apr 2022A freezing order was obtained over assets (reported as more than US$7bn) held in two trusts of which he was a beneficiary; the Attorney General confirmed he was a suspect in a criminal investigation.
2024Royal Court of Jersey dismissed his judicial review of the investigation and asset freeze.
Jun 2025Court of Appeal of Jersey dismissed his appeal.
12 Nov 2025Judicial Committee of the Privy Council refused permission to appeal (JCPC/2025/0075 and related applications).
Nov 2025Master of the Royal Court ordered the Government of Jersey to pay his costs in a related data-access dispute; a privacy order on the proceedings was lifted.
Apr 2026Reported to have lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights against the United Kingdom under Articles 6 and 8 concerning the Jersey investigation.
UK government dispute over frozen Chelsea FC sale proceeds
Allegation
As of the latest sources found (March 2026) the government had said it was preparing legal action; no filed claim was found, and the proceeds remain frozen.78910111213
Authority
HM Government (HM Treasury / OFSI); no court proceedings found
Status as of
17 Mar 2026
History
2 Mar 2022Abramovich announced the sale of Chelsea and said all net proceeds would be donated to a foundation for victims of the war in Ukraine.
30 May 2022Sale completed; proceeds held frozen in the UK.
17 Dec 2025Prime Minister told MPs a licence had been granted allowing the proceeds to be transferred to a new foundation for humanitarian causes in Ukraine and said the government was prepared to go to court.
9 Mar 2026His lawyers wrote that the funds remain the property of Fordstam Limited, wholly owned by him, and said he would contest any attempt to seize them.
17 Mar 2026A government spokesperson said he had not made the donation and that further steps would be taken; government lawyers were reported to have told his lawyers that legal action was being prepared.