Switzerland freezes $1.5 billion for Russian oligarch Kerimov
Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov (Russian media)
The Swiss Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. As a result, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has temporarily frozen 1.3 billion francs (equivalent to $1.5 billion), citing Blick.
The investigation began in November following a referral from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to the Human Rights Commissioner.
An operational task force involved in the investigation conducted eight searches in homes across the cantons of Lucerne, Zug, and Nidwalden. The operation included the Federal Police Office and cantonal police forces.
According to SECO, as of August 13, Russian assets totaling 7.1 billion Swiss francs ($8.2 billion) have been frozen in Switzerland. These assets include real estate, luxury cars, and artworks belonging to individuals and companies sanctioned by the authorities.
The investigation concerns suspicions of violations of the Embargo Act related to the situation in Ukraine, as well as suspected money laundering.
No arrests have been made so far, and the presumption of innocence applies.
It was previously reported that the United States seeks to confiscate the superyacht of Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. Proceeds from its sale could be transferred to Ukraine. Fijian authorities confiscated the vessel Amadea under an American warrant in May 2022, as Washington tightened sanctions against individuals close to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Following the seizure, the US took the yacht from Fiji within an hour to avoid further legal challenges. U.S. enforcement officials changed the yacht’s flag and transported it to New Zealand.
