Investigation Reveals Falsified Documents Linked to Roman Abramovich's Tax Evasion

An investigation by BBC Panorama has uncovered that Deloitte, the world's largest accountancy firm, was involved in falsifying documents to conceal Roman Abramovich's wealth and evade taxes. The investigation revealed that assets valued at $672 million, including superyachts, mansions, and private jets, were removed from Abramovich's company accounts through accounts signed off by Deloitte in Cyprus. Barrister Andrew Mitchell KC described the evidence as indicative of straightforward tax evasion. Abramovich's legal team denied any wrongdoing, stating that he did not authorize or direct the falsification of documents and that he relied on professional advice. Deloitte Cyprus stated it acts in compliance with applicable laws. The investigation is part of a joint effort between BBC Panorama and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, revealing new evidence about Abramovich's financial practices over nearly two decades. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government, leading to the sale of Chelsea Football Club. His assets, worth £5.4 billion, remain frozen in Jersey amid ongoing criminal investigations. The leaked documents indicate that Abramovich's wealth was managed through a network of offshore companies administered from Cyprus, which was previously a tax haven for Russians. The investigation also highlighted the role of MeritServus, a corporate services firm that worked closely with Deloitte and Abramovich's associates. Evidence suggests that backdated documents were used to misrepresent financial transactions to evade taxes in Cyprus. Cypriot MP Christos Christofides stated that if tax evasion occurred, there should be accountability under the law. The investigation raises serious questions about the integrity of the professional advisers involved in managing Abramovich's wealth.