German Probe into Usmanov's Alleged Violations Ends with a Deal

Key Details of the Probe

• Focus: Alleged violations of foreign trade laws.
• Timeframe: Payments made between April and September 2022.
• Location: Two properties in Bavaria.

Allegations and Denials

• Investigation Scope:
• Payments for security services.
• Proper declaration of items (jewelry, paintings, wines) to Germany's export control office.

• Relation to EU sanctions.

• Usmanov's Response:
• Consistently denied any wrongdoing.
• Legal team stated no connection to the companies involved.
• Argued EU sanctions were not directly relevant.

Background on Alisher Usmanov

• Net Worth: $18.8 billion.
• Sanctions: Under EU and U.S. sanctions, including a travel ban.
• Reason for Sanctions: Imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine.

Case Resolution

• Agreement: Coordinated between Usmanov's lawyers and prosecutors.
• Payment: 10 million euros, split between:
• German state budget.
• Various charity groups.
• Important Note: Payment was not a fine or punishment but part of the agreement to close the case.

Similar Case

• November 2024: Another investigation (money laundering) was dropped.