Roman Abramovich is believed to have at least £200million worth of property in London
Roman Abramovich is selling his London properties because he is “terrified” of sanctions, an MP claimed in Parliament on Tuesday.
The sale of the Chelsea FC owner’s 15-bedroom mansion situated just behind Kensington Palace is going through on Wednesday, Labour MP Chris Bryant alleged in the Commons.
His flat in Cheyne Terrace, Chelsea is also believed to have been sold, Mr Bryant suggested.
The Rhondda MP told Home Secretary Priti Patel: “I think [Mr Abramovich] is terrified of being sanctioned, which is why he’s already going to sell his home tomorrow, and sell another flat as well.
“My anxiety is that we’re taking too long about these things.”
The Standard could not independently confirm the homes had been sold and has contacted a spokesperson for Mr Abramovich.
The Chelsea FC owner nor a representative have yet commented on Mr Bryant’s claims.
The Russian oligarch is believed to have at least £200million worth of property in London. He also owns properties in France, Russia, the USA and the Caribbean.
Last week, Mr Bryant quoted from a leaked Home Office document in the Commons which stated Mr Abramovich was identified by the Government in 2019 as having links to the Russian state as well as to “corrupt activity and practices”.
He called for the billionaire to have his assets in the UK seized following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Today he told the Commons he fears the Government is "frightened of lawyers’ letters from all these oligarchs’ friends".
Ms Patel said: "His points are absolutely valid. It is taking time, and there are lots of legal reasons and he will be aware of that, and members of the House will know this as well.
"I don’t want to cut across the work that the FCDO is doing on this right now, but there is a lot of detailed work taking place on sanctions, and much of that is coming to the House pretty soon."
Mr Abramovich’s spokesman said on Monday that that the billionaire had been asked by Ukraine to help support attempts to reach a "peaceful resolution" with Russia.
They added Mr Abramovich was contacted by Ukrainian officials and "has been trying to help ever since".
When asked whether the government had spoken to Mr Abramovich about the “peace talk” reports, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: " I don’t believe so. Certainly, the Prime Minister hasn’t.
“I’ve seen some of those claims reported. I don’t have any of that confirmed. Obviously it’s entirely a matter rightly for the Ukrainian government to decide how to approach any negotiations."
Asked whether the Chelsea owner had so far been exempt from sanctions because of this alleged peace keeping role, the PM’s spokesman replied that suggestion would not be accurate and he could not comment on specific individuals.
