A private jet suspected of being linked to a Russian oligarch was impounded at Farnborough airport in Hampshire hours before it was due to fly to Dubai. The aircraft was detained on the orders of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Tuesday to enable an investigation into its connection with billionaire oil tycoon Eugene Shvidler, a friend of Roman Abramovich.
A Government source said Mr Shvidler was “free to continue his journey by other means” after the plane was impounded. The Bombardier Global 6500 jet arrived in Farnborough from the US state of New ersey on Friday March 4 and was due to fly to Dubai on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Shapps revoked its foreign carrier permit, meaning it could not legally carry passengers. He then issued a restriction of flying order which grounded the plane.
