CYPRIOT police have opened an investigation into the financial affairs of Roman Abramovich, whose wealth is already the subject of a criminal investigation in Jersey.
The inquiry follows reporting by BBC Panorama and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism alleging that Deloitte Cyprus helped falsify documents to conceal the billionaire’s wealth and evade tax.
More than £5 billion of assets linked to the former Chelsea owner remain frozen in Jersey, where an investigation began in early 2022.
His lawyers recently renewed claims that the Jersey inquiry was politically motivated. The government has stressed that the Attorney General is constitutionally independent.
In Cyprus, police are gathering evidence to establish whether criminal offences occurred. The investigation is expected to take several months.
Asked whether Deloitte’s work would be examined, police representative Andreas Anastasiades said: “We will look at any company or person who may be involved.”
Mr Abramovich denies evading tax or concealing his fortune. His lawyers say there is no evidence he knew about or authorised document falsification.
Deloitte Cyprus said it acts “in compliance with applicable laws”.
