Originally Syndicated on May 15, 2023 @ 12:04 pm
Eugene Shvidler, a longtime ally of the billionaire Roman Abramovich, has begun a legal challenge against the UK sanctions imposed on him.
Eugene Shvidler, a close associate of the billionaire Roman Abramovich, has lodged a legal challenge against the UK government’s sanctions, which he perceives as unjust and suppressive. These sanctions were imposed on him following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Shvidler, hailing from the USSR, contends that the treatment he is facing due to these sanctions is disproportionate and constitutes a breach of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
In a case of significance to oligarchs seeking relief from sanctions, Shvidler, reportedly possessing assets amounting to £1.3 billion, is seeking to have the court declare his sanctions unlawful and have them annulled. Moreover, he is pursuing restitution for the costs incurred during this legal battle. If his efforts are fruitful, the government might be compelled to release his assets, which include two private jets seized the previous year.
Report on Abramovich’s Allies sanctions
The government believes that Shvidler’s association with Abramovich, who supports the Kremlin, is the basis for the sanctions against him. Additionally, his past role as a non-executive director at the strategic steel company Evraz has contributed to his designation under sanctions.
Shvidler’s legal representatives assert that the impact of these sanctions has been far-reaching, causing severe disruption to his business affairs, assets, and personal life. This includes the forced relocation of his children from UK schools to the United States. Eugene Shvidler’s legal team also emphasizes the damaging effect of derogatory and untrue statements made by government officials, such as Grant Shapps and Liz Truss, which have unfairly tarnished his reputation.
Shvidler, a British citizen, argues that the scope of the sanctions applied to him is unusually burdensome due to their worldwide reach. Lord Anderson KC, a prominent legal figure, contends that Shvidler is experiencing oppressive treatment from the British government. Anderson emphasizes the need for proportional sanctions, particularly in light of the broad range of their potential effects.
During the court proceedings, Shvidler, aged 59, participated via video link from his US residence, where he holds citizenship in addition to his British citizenship. He also claims to have faced discrimination about his role at Evraz. The UK government’s assertion that Evraz holds strategic significance for the Russian government serves as the foundation for imposing sanctions on individuals associated with the company. However, Shvidler’s legal team points out that other Evraz executives and executives from major oil and gas companies with lucrative Russian interests have not faced similar sanctions.
Shvidler seeks to downplay his ties to Abramovich, highlighting that their relationship primarily revolves around business matters. He refutes the notion that he derives financial gain from this association. While Abramovich accepted the sanctions without contesting them, Shvidler is actively challenging their legitimacy.
In defense of the sanctions, Sir James Eadie KC, representing the foreign secretary, maintains that the government meticulously evaluated the proportionality of these measures. Eadie argues that Shvidler, along with Abramovich and others, forms a network of influence that could exert pressure on Putin. He underscores the importance of these sanctions in preventing Russian actions that lead to atrocities.
The legal battle also delves into the claim of discrimination. The government denies targeting only Evraz directors of Russian ethnicity, asserting that sanctions are placed on individuals associated with Abramovich.
The presiding judge, Garnham, aims to deliver a verdict within a few weeks, thus concluding this high-profile case.
