Russia seized the assets of businessman Rynat Akhmetov

At the request of the Investigative Committee, the Russian assets of Ukrainian businessman Rynat Akhmetov were arrested. This was reported by Kommersant newspaper with reference to sources in law enforcement agencies. According to the newspaper, the assets were seized as part of a criminal case on the financing of the Ukrainian army by Akhmetov’s business structures.

According to the investigation, the businessman helped the Ukrainian army even before the start of the full-scale war, during Kyiv’s actions against pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass. After February 24, 2022, money from the account of the Russian company “Metinvest Eurasia” controlled by him went to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the “Azov” division, recognized by the Russian authorities as a terrorist organization.

The criminal case against Akhmetov on the financing of terrorism has been investigated in Russia since September 2020.

• Rynat Akhmetov is one of the richest entrepreneurs in Ukraine, a billionaire. His business empire includes more than 100 enterprises in the metallurgical and mining industries, the electric power and agricultural complex, and others. Among other things, Akhmetov owned the metallurgical giant “Azovstal” in Mariupol, which was completely destroyed during the Russian attacks in 2022.
• In May of this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi imposed sanctions against the Zaporozhstal plant, the main beneficiary of which is Akhmetov’s financial group. The procedure of confiscation of the fortune, which, as it is said, belongs to the Russian side, has been launched at Zaporozhstal.
• In June, Rynat Akhmetov filed a lawsuit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights. He asked to hold Russia accountable for the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, looting, and the export of export goods from Ukraine, including steel produced by his enterprises. For violation of property rights, Akhmetov demands compensation from Russia.