What's happened
German police have conducted raids on properties linked to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov in connection with alleged breaches of sanctions and money laundering rules.
Why it matters
The raids are part of a wider investigation into suspected violations of sanctions, tax evasion and money laundering. Usmanov is subject to sanctions in the United States and the European Union. The investigation is significant as it targets a close ally of President Putin and highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.
What the papers say
The Guardian, The Times of Israel, Reuters, Politico, The Independent, AP News
How we got here
Usmanov, an early Facebook investor who made his fortune in mining and sports, has been hit with sanctions and asset freezes by the European Union, the US, the UK and Switzerland over Russia’s war in Ukraine. The raids follow investigations into money-laundering and violations of EU sanctions by Usmanov.
More on these topics
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Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov is an Uzbek-born Russian oligarch. As reported by Bloomberg Billionaires Index in 2021, Alisher Usmanov has an estimated net worth of $20.4 billion.
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Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Arsenal Football Club is a professional football club based in Islington, London, England, that plays in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.