Aysu Biçer
23 April 2026•Update: 23 April 2026
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has lodged a claim with the European Court of Human Rights, alleging that a long-running criminal investigation into his financial affairs by authorities in Jersey has violated his fundamental rights.
According to British media reports, lawyers for the former Chelsea Football Club owner argue that the inquiry, which involves allegations of corruption and money laundering, has been “unfair and abusive.”
Around £5.3 billion ($7.15 billion) of Abramovich’s assets remain frozen in Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the English Channel with its own legal and financial system.
In the filing, his legal team claims the investigation breaches his right to a fair trial and his right to privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights.
They point to a public announcement made by Jersey authorities in 2022 about the probe, despite no charges being brought.
Representatives for Abramovich told the Times that the investigation has continued for years without “charges, transparency or credible evidence,” accusing authorities of withholding key information and acting with political motives. They said they expect the court to rule in their favor.
The case has also complicated the release of £2.4 billion from the 2022 sale of Chelsea FC. The proceeds were pledged for charitable use to support victims of the war in Ukraine but have yet to be distributed.
A company linked to Abramovich has previously suggested the funds could be treated by Jersey authorities as proceeds of crime.
Meanwhile, the UK government has reportedly considered legal action to ensure the money is directed specifically toward Ukraine.
There is also disagreement over how the funds should be used.
According to the Guardian, British officials want them ringfenced for Ukraine, while Abramovich has indicated he wants broader flexibility, having originally pledged support for “all victims of the war.”
The UK government is listed as the respondent in the case before the European Court of Human Rights, according to reports.
