Department of Justice signs off on warrant to seize Roman Abramovich’s two jets

U.S. authorities on Monday obtained warrants to seize two jetliners owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich for illegally flying to Russia despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It is the latest move by Washington to keep up pressure on the ultra-wealthy figures close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich has already been forced to sell Chelsea Football Club in London as part of the economic net tightening around Moscow.

Now his Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Gulfstream G650 ER aircraft are in the crosshairs, even though Abramovich himself has not been personally blacklisted by the U.S. – in part because he has been part of an effort to broker a ceasefire. 

American officials said it should serve as a demonstration of how the U.S. would use any available too to enforce sanctions.

However, it was not immediately clear how the planes could be seized.

Court documents suggest the Boeing jet is worth an estimated $350 million making it one of the most expensive private planes in the world.

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich has seen his wealth half since Russia invaded Ukraine. He has not been personally sanctioned by the U.S. but the FBI on Monday obtained a warrant to seize two of his jets after they flew to Russia in defiance of export controls

Abramovich’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner is reportedly worth $350 million, making it one of the most expensive private jets in the world. It is currently in Dubai, UAE

Abramovich’s Gulfstream is in Moscow, putting it beyond the reach of U.S. authorities

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The Gulfstream was bought for a far more modest $60 million in 2020. 

An FBI affidavit says the planes flew to Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine in breach of export controls, placed on Russian-operated aircraft.

‘Flight records for the Boeing reflect that, after the Russia sanctions went into effect on or about February 24 and March 2, 2022, the Boeing was reexported to Russia,’ it says.

‘Specifically, on or about March 4, 2022, the Boeing flew from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Moscow, Russia. That same day, the Boeing flew back to Dubai, where it has remained since then.’

The Gulfstream flew from Istanbul, Turkey, to Moscow, before flying on Tel Aviv, Israel, and then returning to Moscow where it is believed to remain.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: ‘Today’s affidavit and warrant demonstrate the Southern District’s commitment to bring to bear every legal tool available for enforcement of sanctions and export controls imposed in response to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.’

Abramovich, 55, is one of the world’s richest man. 

He is worth an estimated $8.8 billion after making his fortune when nationalized industries were sold off at steep discounts after the Soviet Union collapsed.

The Chelsea Football Club owner was seen in Tel Aviv airport in early March on his way to Istanbul, as the EU decided to follow the UK and sanction him

Abramovich’s luxury lifestyle is being squeezed by EU and UK sanctions – and now the US has moved to seize his planes. He has already been forced to sell Chelsea soccer club

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But that is a far cry from his wealth before the Russian invasion. Last year, he was believed to have assets of about $16 billion.

Since then he has been forced to sell Chelsea, his assets have been frozen by the U.K. and European Union, and shares in his Evraz company have collapsed. 

He dropped from eighth to 28th in the UK’s Sunday Times’ rich list.

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: ‘These wealthy Russian oligarchs have helped foster an environment that enabled Russia to pursue its deadly war in Ukraine. 

‘The seizure of their valuable possessions, including these two aircraft, is just one way the U.S government holds accountable those who break U.S. laws and support Russia in its attempt to conquer a sovereign nation. 

‘Our work has only just begun and we won’t back away.’

The U.S. Department of Commerce also filed administrative charges against Abramovich, even though he named his Russian children as the beneficiaries of the ‘shell entities’ that owned the two planes.

It is seeking a fine of more than $300,000 and other export sanctions.

The charges come amid pressure on the oligarchs to convince Putin to end his war.   

Last week the Treasury Department unveiled new sanctions meant to claw back prizes amassed by Putin‘s inner circle and their family members – including seizing a 324-foot yacht valued at $150 million belonging to a member of the state Duma.

This time the government’s sanctions seek to go deeper into the Russian president’s financial network as Russia‘s war on Ukraine surpasses its 100th day. 

The sanctions hit five oligarchs and elites, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who has trashed the U.S. in her public statements.

The sanctions also target Sergei Roldugin, identified as the money manager for Putin’s offshore wealth, as well as the godfather to one of Putin’s daughters.

Treasury describes Roldugin as a ‘close friend’ to Putin, as well as his ‘middle-man’. He is also a cellist and conductor of the state-owned St. Petersburg Music House. His wife Elena Yuryevna Mirtova is a soprano singer and actress.