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

A recent investigation by German authorities into Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has come to a close. The probe focused on alleged violations of foreign trade laws. Specifically, it looked into payments made for security services at two properties in Bavaria. The payments were made between April and September 2022. The investigation also examined whether Usmanov properly declared items like jewelry, paintings, and wines to Germany's export control office. This was in relation to EU sanctions. Usmanov has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Usmanov is a well-known billionaire with a net worth of $18. 8 billion. He is currently under EU and U. S. sanctions. These sanctions include a travel ban. They were imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine.Usmanov's legal team stated that he had no connection to the companies involved in the alleged payments. They also said he did not own or control the properties in question. The lawyers argued that EU sanctions were not directly relevant to the probe. The case was closed to save time and resources. This was done through a coordinated agreement between Usmanov's lawyers and the prosecutors. As part of this agreement, Usmanov agreed to pay 10 million euros. This amount was split between the German state budget and various charity groups. It's important to note that this payment was not a fine or punishment. Instead, it was part of the agreement to close the case. This is similar to another investigation that was dropped in November 2024. That investigation was about money laundering.