Considered by the EU to be one of the most influential figures in Russia, Alexei Kuzmichev was arrested by French police for questioning.
Russian tycoon Alexei Kuzmichev was detained in France for questioning on allegations of tax fraud, money laundering and violation of international sanctions, the French financial prosecutor’s office (PNF) announced on Tuesday, October 31. .
As part of the investigation, searches took place on Monday in “different locations”, notably at the Parisian home of the oligarch, said the PNF.
According to the newspaper French Le MondeAlexei Kuzmichev’s villa in Saint-Tropez was also searched.
Alexei Kuzmichev was arrested on Monday and remained in custody on Tuesday. He has not yet been charged in this case.
A lawyer for the billionaire declined to comment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would be able to defend Alexei Kuzmichev’s rights once Paris provides detailed information on the case.
The European Union considers the Russian tycoon as “one of the most influential people in Russia“, who maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Last year, French customs officials seized the oligarch’s 27-meter yacht as part of sanctions imposed by Brussels against Moscow. The move sparked a legal battle between the authorities and Alexei Kuzmichev, one of the main shareholders of Russian bank Alfa.
