The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested a rich Russian oligarch at his luxury home in London. Along with him, a 35- and 39-year-old were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, and conspiracy to commit perjury. The NCA has not exposed the name of the the three individuals. They have since been released on bail. Allegedly, it was NCA’s first arrest of a Russian oligarch in the UK about money laundering in 22 years.
The NCA’s Combatting Kleptocracy Cell, only established this year, is having significant success investigating potential criminal activity by oligarchs, the professional service providers that support and enable them and those linked to the Russian regime.
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the NCA
The NCA said around 50 of its officers from the Combatting Kleptocracy Cell were involved in the operation at the businessman’s multi-million-pound property, where a number of digital devices and a large amount of cash were seized following a search.
