French courts have seized assets of Russian businessmen worth over €70 million
French investigative authorities are conducting an investigation into possible money laundering by two Russian businessmen who hold Cypriot citizenship. According to sources, the courts have already placed a seizure on the assets of Ruslan Goryukhin and Mikhail Openheim worth over 70 million euros.
The investigation was initiated in March of this year by the French prosecutor’s office. It revealed suspicions of concealing the origin of funds used to purchase real estate. In particular, it concerns the acquisition of a 22.5 hectare estate in Grasse, villas in Saint-Raphaël and Grimaud, as well as luxury cars.
According to a representative of the Paris prosecutor’s office, “the investigation concerns the acquisition of real estate through loans provided by private companies registered in Cyprus or the British Virgin Islands.” This gives grounds to suspect money laundering.
The actions of the French law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation of financial crimes of Russian businessmen are taking place against the backdrop of sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs by the United Kingdom.
Experts note that the prosecution of representatives of the Russian business community on suspicion of financial crimes is part of a broader strategy of Western countries aimed at limiting the influence of Russia and its elites on the international stage.
“The investigation concerns the acquisition of real estate through loans provided by private companies registered in Cyprus or the British Virgin Islands.”
- Representative of the Paris prosecutor’s office
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