By Ben Kerrigan-
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, has been targeted by the UK government, among those to have their assets seized , according to a Labour MP, citing concerns about alleged links to corruption.
Chris Bryant told MPs claims to have a leaked Home Office document suggesting the Chelsea Football Club owner should not be able to base himself in the UK.
Mr Bryant said the wealthy Russian should not be able to own a football club as he suggested seizing some of the assets of the football club owner, including his £152m home.
Senior minister Mark Spencer said the government had taken “very strong action against high-profile Russian individuals who are of concern”.
Quoting from the leaked Home Office document, he said: “‘As part of HMG’s [Her Majesty’s Government] Russia strategy aimed at targeting illicit finance and malign activity, Abramovich remains of interest to HMG due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices. An example of this is Abramovich admitting in court proceedings that he paid for political influence.
The rich Russian built his fortune in oil following the collapse of the former Soviet Union in the 1990s.
In 2018, Mr Abramovich experienced delays when applying to extend his visa to stay in the UK and eventually withdrew his application.
In October 2021, the businessman’s spokesperson confirmed he travelled to London as an Israeli citizen – therefore entering the United Kingdom without the need for a visa.
Chris Bryant told MPs he had a leaked Home Office document which suggested the Chelsea Football Club owner should not be able to base himself in the UK.
Mr Bryant said it was written in 2019 and “little” had been done since then.
A spokesperson for Mr Abramovich declined to comment
Quoting from the leaked Home Office document, he said: “‘As part of HMG’s [Her Majesty’s Government] Russia strategy aimed at targeting illicit finance and malign activity, Abramovich remains of interest to HMG due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices.
He built his fortune in oil following the collapse of the former Soviet Union in the 1990s. In 2018, Mr Abramovich experienced delays when applying to extend his visa to stay in the UK and eventually withdrew his application.