Sanctioned Russian oligarchs found sanctuary in Britain — The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (en-GB)

Russian oligarchs and their families have been buying property, paying for private schools and enjoying luxury lifestyles in the UK for years despite being on international sanctions lists, the Bureau can reveal.

The US and other powers including European Union and Canada sanctioned a number of oligarchs believed to be close to President Vladimir Putin in 2014 after he annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. More were added to the list four years later after the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned by Russian agents in Salisbury.

Neither of these events ended Britain’s love affair with Putin’s oligarchs. The Bureau has identified at least 15 wealthy and powerful men, including some close Putin associates, who have enjoyed the privilege of Britain’s poshest schools, its globally respected courts and its most luxurious properties.

Since Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine the spotlight has been on high-profile individuals with alleged past connections with the Kremlin, including the likes of Alisher Usmanov, the former Everton sponsor who was sanctioned on Thursday. He has denied any wrongdoing. However, most of the figures identified by the Bureau are less well known but have been key players in Russia’s economy. All have been on the US sanctions list for years, but have still been able to benefit from the UK’s lax approach.

They include Arkady Rotenberg, Putin’s judo partner and former owner of the gas company Stroygazmontazh and Vladimir Yakunin, the former head of Russian Railways.

Their ability to use Britain as a base underscores the UK’s failure to crack down on those who have been linked to Putin’s network of powerful supporters, despite clear signs that he was prepared to use violence against sovereign nations. Since the invasion began on February 24, the British government has been playing catch-up with the US and EU. Although Boris Johnson announced he would sanction 100 individuals and entities in connection with the war, only 24 names have been added to the list so far.