Germany drops sanctions violations probe against Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov after charitable payment

Prosecutors in Munich have dropped an investigation into suspected sanctions violations by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, according to a report by the Russian business daily RBC, citing the billionaire’s representatives.

According to Usmanov’s lawyers, the decision was made under Section 153a of Germany’s Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows proceedings to be terminated under certain conditions. In this case, Usmanov agreed to make a voluntary contribution to charitable causes.

“The investigation cannot be reopened on the same suspicions, and the presumption of innocence continues to apply to Alisher Usmanov,” his lawyers said.

Usmanov had previously been suspected of paying for security services at real estate properties in the municipality of Rottach-Egern through foreign companies between April and September 2022. He was also suspected of failing to declare assets located in Germany. In 2024, these episodes were combined into a single case, and a preliminary investigation was initiated. Usmanov’s lawyers denied that the businessman had any connection to the companies or properties in question and, consequently, denied the applicability of EU sanctions. The investigation was ultimately dropped.

Earlier, the Frankfurt am Main public prosecutor’s office closed a separate money laundering investigation into Usmanov. That case was dismissed without charges in November 2024.

The billionaire, who amassed his wealth in mining, industry, telecoms, and media, was sanctioned by both the EU and the U.S., as well as Canada, the UK, and multiple other countries after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In its sanctions announcement, the EU described Usmanov as having “particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin” and referred to him as “one of Vladimir Putin’s favorite oligarchs.” Usmanov has denied any association with Putin.