Forbes has revealed a total of 156 properties, valued at a staggering $5.6 billion, owned by 30 Russian Billionaires who are under scrutiny. These holdings include luxurious assets such as a Manhattan townhouse and an opulent Italian villa, all facing the potential risk of seizure.
Note:
As of November 27, 2023, the map in this article hasn’t been updated to include the additional properties found since it was first published in March 2022.
Russian oligarchs seeking to conceal their “ill-begotten gains” from sanctions may successfully escape authorities aboard a superyacht or private jet, but the challenge lies in relocating a $190 million villa on the French Riviera.
On March 3, both the U.S. and the United Kingdom escalated pressure on Russian billionaires reportedly close to Vladimir Putin. They jointly announced an asset freeze and travel ban on Alisher Usmanov, a 68-year-old metals magnate and prolific investor. Usmanov had already faced sanctions from the European Union three days earlier, becoming one of the 50 Russian-born billionaires sanctioned by the EU, U.S., U.K., Switzerland, Canada, or Japan since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. Notably, 24 of them were hit for the first time within the past month following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Two of Alisher Usmanov’s most prized assets—the 16th-century Sutton Place estate in Surrey and the Beechwood House mansion in London—are situated in England. According to a press release from the British government announcing sanctions, both properties have been frozen, prohibiting any dealings with Usmanov by “British citizens or businesses.” In practical terms, this freeze means Usmanov cannot sell, rent, or derive any economic benefits from these homes.
Usmanov is not the sole sanctioned Russian-born billionaire with substantial real estate holdings outside of Russia, and he is not the only one with residences in Western capitals. Forbes has identified a total of 156 properties owned by 30 sanctioned Russian-born oligarchs, spanning from Connecticut to Sardinia. The combined value of these properties, according to Forbes & other Source, is $5.6 billion approx.
While asset freezes and travel bans may prevent oligarchs from accessing their scattered properties, immediate loss of control is not guaranteed. This complexity arises, in part, due to challenges in definitively linking ownership to them. For instance, despite being sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018 and the FBI raiding two of his properties—one in Washington, D.C., and another in New York City—in October 2021, Putin ally Oleg Deripaska’s ownership status has not changed.
Forbes examined property records in both cities, revealing that these properties, along with a third in Manhattan linked to Deripaska, are still owned by three Delaware-based LLCs that acquired them before the sanctions. A spokesperson for Deripaska asserted to the Washington Post on March 1 that the homes are owned by his relatives.
To circumvent sanctions, individuals, as noted by Alexi Fehlman, an analyst at data intelligence firm Sayari Labs specializing in Eurasia and Russia, commonly transfer properties to relatives or close associates. Fehlman emphasizes the complexity of seizing these assets, pointing out that legally, the sanctioned individuals often aren’t the direct owners, and the properties might be held by offshore entities.
However, there is a renewed commitment from the U.S. and its European allies to enhance the enforcement of sanctions and seize assets held by sanctioned individuals. On March 2, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland introduced a new task force named “KleptoCapture.” This task force is specifically designed to target Russian oligarchs and employ asset forfeiture measures to seize the holdings of those under sanctions. The approach includes leveraging “cutting-edge investigative techniques” such as data analytics, cryptocurrency tracing, foreign intelligence sources, and information from financial regulators to identify and address any attempts at sanctions evasion.
Here is a list of mansions, villas, and luxury apartments and yacht held by sanctioned Russian Billionaires outside of Russia.
- Alexander Abramov
Sanctioned by U.K., Australia and New Zealand
Citizenship: Russia
Properties in:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Mykonos, Greece
- Auckland and Hikurangi, New Zealand
- West Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Alexandr Abramov Networth:
Total estimated value: $6 billion
Alexander Abramov possesses various properties in New Zealand, having obtained the right to own property in the country in 2015 and 2020. Among his holdings are a 39-apartment complex in the Auckland suburb of Morningside and the Helena Bay Lodge, an “intimate retreat” spanning 800 acres of farmland and native forest, featuring four private beaches, a 25-meter heated swimming pool, an outdoor firepit, and a luxury yacht. In October 2022, despite being sanctioned by the New Zealand government, the sanctions were limited to a travel ban for Abramov and his family, including on his aircraft and vessels, without impacting his properties in the country.
According to the different report in April 2022, Abramov, in partnership with Alexander Frolov, owns additional properties through the British Virgin Islands-based Vollin Holdings Ltd. These assets include the Caribbean resort island of West Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a golf course community in Prague with homes, a hotel, and a spa, a partially constructed hotel with land in Mykonos, Greece, and several commercial properties in the U.K., collectively valued at over $120 million.
What are some other yachts owned by Alexander Abramov?
Alexander Abramov’s superyacht, TITAN, boasts a valuation of $100 million. Constructed by Abeking and Rasmussen, the yacht was delivered in 2010, measuring an impressive 80 meters (263 feet) in length. TITAN can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests and is staffed by a crew of 19. Both the interior and exterior design of the yacht were crafted by Reymond Langton Design.
It’s crucial to note that the price of a yacht can vary significantly based on factors such as size, age, luxury features, and the cost of materials and technology used in its construction.
It’s important to note that yacht ownership details can change over time, and the information provided is accurate as of the most recent available search results.
Alexander Abramov has had ownership of multiple yachts, and one of his previous vessels was Triple Seven. Built by Nobiskrug in 2006, Triple Seven could host up to 12 guests and had a crew capacity of 16. It was originally part of a series of five yachts ordered by the Reuben Brothers, featuring yachts named Siren, Sapphire, Graffiti, and Mogambo. Triple Seven was eventually sold in 2013.
Sanctioned by U.K., EU, Canada, Australia, Switzerland
Citizenship: Russia, Israel, Portugal
Properties in: Cap d’Antibes, France; St. Barths; Snowmass Village, Colorado; London, U.K.; Salzburg, Austria
Roman Abramovich NetWorth
Total estimated value: $9.03 billion.
Roman Abramovich’s extensive property portfolio includes notable holdings:
Roman Abramovich’s diverse real estate holdings include the crown jewel, 16 Kensington Palace Gardens, a 15-bedroom mansion neighboring embassies and Kensington Palace. Owned through Cyprus-based A. Corp Trustee Limited, this property was once the Soviet Union’s diplomatic mission. Other London properties include 100 Cheyne Walk, owned through Harley’s House Limited, and a reported apartment in Cheyne Terrace. Abramovich also owns a penthouse in the Chelsea Waterfront development.
Beyond London, Abramovich’s global portfolio features Chateau de la Croë in Cap d’Antibes, a lakeside property in Salzburg owned by his daughter, a St. Barths estate with Balinese bungalows, and a Snowmass, Colorado mansion with a private pool and spa. Notably, French authorities have frozen both Chateau de la Croë and the St. Barts estate.
Abramovich’s past New York City properties, including co-op apartments and townhomes, were transferred to his ex-wife Dasha Zhukova in 2018. This comprehensive real estate collection reflects the billionaire’s global lifestyle, blending historic residences with modern luxury.
It’s important to note that both Chateau de la Croë and his St. Barts estate have been frozen by French authorities.
What are some other yachts owned by Roman Abramovich yacht
Roman Abramovich’s yacht collection includes the iconic Eclipse, a superyacht built by Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, Germany, and delivered on December 9, 2010. Eclipse stands at an impressive length of 162.5 meters (533 ft 2 in) and boasts luxurious features such as two helicopter pads, 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, multiple hot tubs, and even a disco hall.
The yacht is equipped with three launch boats and a mini-submarine capable of submerging to 50 meters (160 ft). Operating the Eclipse requires a crew of approximately 70 members to ensure the needs of the guests are met. For security, Eclipse is fitted with a missile detection system, missile launchers, and self-defense systems. The estimated cost of the yacht is €340 million ($500 million).
In addition to the Eclipse, Abramovich owns a recently launched yacht named SOLARIS. Launched in 2021 by Lloyd Werft, SOLARIS is a colossal vessel with a length of 139.7 meters (458 ft). Unfortunately, information on the specific value of SOLARIS is not available at this time.
It’s important to note that yacht ownership details can change over time, and the information provided is accurate as of the most recent available search results.
3.Vagit Alekperov
Sanctioned by: U.K., Australia, Canada
Citizenship: Russia
Properties in: Barcelona, Spain; Sofia, Bulgaria
Vagit Alekperov NetWorth
Total estimated value: $26 Billion
Alekperov’s wife, Larisa, and their son, Yusuf, serve as the beneficial owners of the Luxembourg investment company named SQC Opportunity SCA SICAV-RAIF. According to the company’s 2020 annual report, SQC Opportunity holds ownership of Spain-based P. Francesc Macià S.L. This subsidiary, in turn, possesses 100% ownership of a mixed-use real estate development in Barcelona, featuring eight floors of high-end apartments and a commercial unit on the ground floor.
Additionally, SQC Opportunity owns 100% of another Luxembourg-based entity, Bulgaria Boulevard Holdings S.a.r.l. This holding company has ownership of a 334,000-square-foot shopping mall and two office towers—Infinity Tower spanning 210,000 square feet and Office Tower B covering 172,000 square feet—in Sofia, Bulgaria
What are some other yachts owned by Vagit Alekperov yacht
Vagit Alekperov, the President of Lukoil, is the owner of the Galactica Super Nova, a luxurious yacht crafted by Heesen Yachts. This impressive vessel spans 70 meters in length and offers accommodation for up to 12 guests and a crew of 16 members. The Galactica Super Nova is equipped with notable amenities, including a 6-meter glass-bottom swimming pool, a touch-and-go helipad, and a spacious beach club.
