Southern Cyprus Republic police gather evidence on Abramovich-linked financial affairs
Southern Cyprus Republic police have begun gathering evidence about allegations concerning companies linked to Roman Abramovich. The inquiry, disclosed to parliament, follows reporting on backdated corporate documents. Abramovich’s lawyers deny tax evasion and concealment of assets, while Deloitte Cyprus says it complies with applicable laws. The police examination has not established guilt by the individuals or companies named in the reporting.
Geopolitics··Midday
Police begin gathering financial evidence
Police in the Southern Cyprus Republic are examining information concerning financial affairs linked to businessman Roman Abramovich. The new inquiry was disclosed to parliament after allegations about older corporate documents. Opening the investigation has not established an offence; no charge against Abramovich has been announced. His lawyers deny tax evasion and concealment of assets.[1], [2]
Police official Andreas Anastasiades said the financial-crime unit had begun collecting evidence and could examine any company or individual potentially involved. A Justice Ministry representative told lawmakers that journalists’ findings would be assessed to determine whether criminal acts had occurred.[1]
Backdated company documents underpin the allegations
The underlying journalistic investigation alleged that backdated documents helped companies ultimately owned by Abramovich move assets from the Southern Cyprus Republic to the British Virgin Islands. The allegations concern tax and financial-disclosure obligations. Deloitte Cyprus, the local arm of the accountancy firm, and corporate-services provider MeritServus featured in the transactions described by the investigators.[1]
Abramovich’s lawyers and Deloitte reject wrongdoing
Abramovich’s lawyers say no evidence establishes that he knew about, authorised or directed document falsification. They maintain that his companies legitimately relied on professional advice. Deloitte Cyprus says it complies with applicable laws and has described difficulty accessing documents from the period. The police evidence-gathering process was expected to take several months.[1]
