Abramovich awarded damages over raids

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has been awarded damages after police searched properties linked to him.

The sanctioned oligarch has also received an apology over the raids.

Lawyers acting for companies linked to the properties challenged the legality of search warrants obtained by Jersey Police in April this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On April 12, the Royal Court of Jersey imposed a freezing order on £6billion of assets linked to Mr Abramovich. On the same day, the premises alleged to be connected to Mr Abramovich’s business interests were raided and documents seized. Two search warrants had been obtained by Jersey Police. The raids followed the imposition of sanctions in the UK on Mr Abramovich, who at the time owned Chelsea Football Club.

His spokesman confirmed he had received damages and an apology but declined to reveal the amount. They said: “The damages and costs are part of a confidential annex which we are not allowed to disclose.”

Reuters news agency reported it had seen a court order issued on Wednesday in which Jersey Police had acknowledged that “the search warrants were obtained unlawfully” and agreed “that the search warrants should be quashed”. The police also agreed to pay damages and costs, confirmed that all copies of documents seized in the searches had been destroyed and that the police would apologise to Mr Abramovich, the document said.

Mr Abramovich’s spokesman added: “Mr Abramovich has always acted in accordance with the law, we are pleased that the Jersey Police have conceded in relation to these unlawful and unfounded searches.”

It is unclear if the quashing of the searches has any impact on the imposition of sanctions, including asset freezes.