German prosecutors in Frankfurt have closed a money-laundering investigation against Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov but have required him to pay a fine of 4 million euros. The fine will be distributed between various charities and the state treasury. On Monday, the prosecutors announced that 1.5 million euros would go to charitable organisations, while the remainder will be allocated to the state treasury.
The decision to drop the investigation was made because the alleged offences did not cause any financial loss to Germany, as they had occurred some time ago.
A spokesman for the prosecutors stated, “The accused’s alleged offences did not result in any financial damage to the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of Hesse, or any natural or legal person in Germany.” Once Usmanov fulfils the payment requirements, the case will be officially closed, and the outcome will not imply any guilt on his part.
His lawyers asserted that after over two and a half years, the investigation failed to substantiate the main accusations against him, including money laundering.
“We have always maintained our client’s innocence,” stated Uwe Lehmbruck and Markus Gotzens from the law firm Wannemacher & Partner, emphasising that this outcome is important in protecting Usmanov’s reputation.
