Major Asset Seizure of Russian Oligarchs in France
In a significant move against suspected money laundering, the French courts have seized assets exceeding 70 million euros belonging to two Russian businessmen. This action is part of an ongoing investigation initiated in March, which has raised serious concerns about the concealment of funds used for purchasing luxury properties. The assets seized include a 22.5-hectare estate in Grasse, along with villas in Saint-Raphaël and Grimaud, indicating the scale of the operation and the potential implications for the accused.
The investigation, led by the National Jurisdiction for the Fight against Organized Crime (Junalco), has revealed a complex web of financial transactions involving loans from companies based in Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands. According to judicial sources, eight properties have been seized, along with two luxury vehicles valued at approximately 670,000 euros and company shares worth nearly 2.7 million euros. The legal proceedings underscore the stringent measures France is taking to combat financial crimes linked to organized crime.
The accused, identified as Ruslan Goryukhin and Mikhail Opengeym, both hold Cypriot passports and have ties to the Russian energy sector. Goryukhin previously managed a company associated with a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. The investigation is grounded in the 2013 money laundering law, which shifts the burden of proof to the accused to demonstrate the legitimate origin of their funds. As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing scrutiny of Russian oligarchs following geopolitical tensions and the global crackdown on illicit financial activities.
