World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Cyprus police investigate Roman Abramovich’s financial affairs
Cyprus police have opened an investigation into Roman Abramovich’s finances after allegations that documents were falsified to hide assets and evade tax.
The inquiry follows findings about the former Chelsea owner’s business affairs and the role of professional advisers, including Deloitte’s Cyprus office.
Leaked documents described in the investigation relate to offshore companies administered from Cyprus and events between 2003 and 2006.
Police are gathering evidence to see whether crimes were committed, including fraud or the manipulation of documents.
The investigation is expected to last several months, and police say the passage of time could make it harder.
Abramovich denies wrongdoing, saying he relied on professional advice; Deloitte Cyprus says it acts in line with applicable laws.
Cyprus police have opened an investigation into Roman Abramovich’s financial and tax affairs after media reports alleged that documents were falsified to conceal his wealth and evade tax.
Police said they were gathering evidence and would examine whether any criminal acts, fraud or document manipulation had occurred.
The reports said Deloitte’s Cyprus division helped conceal $672 million in assets, including mansions, yachts and private jets.
Abramovich’s lawyers deny that he evaded tax or concealed his fortune, while Deloitte Cyprus says it complies with applicable laws.
The investigation is expected to last several months; a Cypriot police official told the Guardian it could take six months.
- Who
- Cyprus police are investigating the financial and tax affairs of Roman Abramovich.
- What
- The investigation is examining allegations of tax evasion and falsified documents. Media reports implicated Deloitte’s Cyprus division.
- When
- Police said the investigation had begun by 22 October 2026.
- Where
- Cyprus, including events and businesses connected to the island.
- Why
- The investigation follows media reports alleging that documents were falsified to conceal Abramovich’s assets and evade tax.
Investigative reports and police
Abramovich’s lawyers
Alleged document falsification
Investigative reports and police
Reports say documents were falsified to conceal assets and evade tax.
Abramovich’s lawyers
Abramovich’s lawyers say he denies evading tax or concealing his fortune.
Abramovich’s knowledge
Investigative reports and police
The reports describe alleged actions by aides and Deloitte staff in managing his business affairs.
Abramovich’s lawyers
His lawyers say there is no evidence he knew about, authorised or directed any falsification.
Leaked files covered the operations of a network of offshore companies administered from Cyprus.
The BBC reported that accounts signed off by Deloitte in Cyprus showed $672m in assets disappearing from Abramovich’s company accounts.
The BBC and media partners began reporting on leaked files as part of the Cyprus Confidential investigation.
The BBC and TBIJ published a report detailing allegations about Deloitte’s work and Abramovich’s finances.
The Guardian reported that police had begun gathering evidence and expected the investigation to last six months.
- Investigation
- Cyprus police Financial Crime Unit
- Assets cited in reports
- $672m
- Period under investigation
- 2003–2006
- Expected duration
- Several months; a police official told the Guardian six months
- Investigative partners
- BBC, Guardian and Bureau of Investigative Journalism
3 sources
Cyprus police investigate Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich for possible tax evasion after reports implicate accounting giant Deloitte
Cyprus police open investigation into financial affairs of Roman Abramovich
Cyprus police investigate financial and tax affairs of ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich
What people are saying
We will look at any company or person who may be involved.
We will see if there has been fraud or if some documents have been manipulated.
always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice
in compliance with applicable laws