A Russian oligarch has been detained in France after his luxury homes in Paris and the Côte d’Azur were raided by investigators.
Alexey Kuzmichev, the joint founder of Alfa Group, a financial conglomerate which includes one of Russia’s biggest banks, is suspected of laundering the proceeds of fiscal fraud and of violating EU sanctions, according to the French National Financial Prosecution office.
Le Monde described the move as “one of the biggest blows by French justice against a Russian oligarch since the invasion of Ukraine”. A lawyer for Kuzmichev declined to comment.
The EU placed Kuzmichev, 61, on its sanctions list following the war in Ukraine, describing him as “one of the most influential persons in Russia”.
Le Monde said about 60 investigators had participated in the raids, notably on Kuzmichev’s house near the French National Assembly.
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According to Le Figaro, he bought the property for €28 million in 2012. The oligarch also possesses a villa with large grounds and a swimming pool in Saint-Tropez, which was raided too, the French National Financial Prosecution office said.
Le Monde cited a source close to Kuzmichev as denying the allegations.
The source said that despite the EU sanctions Kuzmichev had the right to be in France. Two of Kuzmichev’s yachts were impounded by French customs officers in Cannes and Antibes on the Mediterranean after he was placed on the EU sanctions list. However, the measures were lifted a few months later after Kuzmichev appealed.