US judges have ordered the seizure of two planes belonging to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. The US Justice Department justified the measure in court documents released Monday, saying the machines had been used to violate sanctions imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The Justice Department estimates the combined value of the two planes at $400 million.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and the Gulfstream G650ER business jet have flown to Russia in violation of sanctions requirements. However, the planes are apparently out of reach of US authorities. According to media reports, the Gulfstream G650ER would be in Russia, the Boeing machine possibly in Dubai.
Abramovich allegedly violated US restrictions
The US Department of Justice will take “active steps” to seize the two planes, New York department representative Andrew Adams said. In his words, the measure is intended to induce people with close ties to the Kremlin to “distance” from the Moscow center of power and from the Russian state. In parallel with the order of the Department of Justice, the US Department of Commerce has issued a letter formally accusing Abramovich of deliberately violating US restrictions on the export of technology and goods to Russia. These allegations can lead to hefty fines.
Abramovich is said to have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Western sanctions over the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine had huge consequences for the oligarch, especially in Britain. All his belongings were frozen there. The London football club Chelsea, which he owned for almost 20 years, is being taken over by a group of investors led by American businessman Todd Boehly.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
