The Munich prosecutor's office has dropped an investigation into businessman Alisher Usmanov on suspicion of violating German foreign economic activity law related to EU sanctions. The businessman's lawyers announced this.
The case concerns alleged payments made through foreign companies for property security services in Bavaria (Rotach-Egern) in 2022 and alleged failure to comply with asset declaration requirements to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). In 2024, these incidents were merged into a single preliminary investigation.
Usmanov's lawyers consistently denied all charges, citing their client's lack of connection with the aforementioned companies and the inapplicability of the relevant sanction provisions to him.
The investigation was terminated by agreement with the court and with Usmanov's consent, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 153a of the German Code of Criminal Procedure (termination of proceedings upon fulfillment of conditions and instructions). As part of the agreement, the businessman made a voluntary donation to charity. The prosecutor's office emphasized that the resumption of the investigation on the same suspicions was excluded and the presumption of Usmanov's innocence remained in effect.
Wannemacher & Partners, representing Usmanov, stated that the businessman “is not accused of any crimes“ and the case, like the previous one, closed in 2024, has not progressed beyond the preliminary investigation.
The lawyers noted that the process has dragged on for over 3 years and further investigation would only lead to a waste of resources. In this regard, for the sake of procedural efficiency and preserving his health, Usmanov agreed to the termination of the case in accordance with German law.
„We expect that Mr. Usmanov's good name and reputation will be fully restored“, the law firm added.
In November 2024, the Frankfurt am Main Chief Prosecutor's Office terminated the investigation against Usmanov on suspicion of money laundering without bringing charges.