In a statement provided to socialbites.ca, Usmanov’s press service described the German authorities’ actions as astonishing and regrettable for a prominent business figure. The report noted that searches were conducted at Usmanov’s German real estate holdings and that a number of premium vehicles were reportedly seized during the operations. The press service framed the incidents as a new instance of intimidation and political pressure, suggesting the actions carried a nationalistic bias rather than reflecting the work of a neutral investigative commission within German customs operations, referring to it metaphorically as Matrjoschka.
Representatives for Usmanov asserted that the billionaire has consistently declared his legally acquired personal property and has disclosed the funds used to obtain it. The press service added that Usmanov had previously provided German authorities with a comprehensive overview of all properties he had acquired in Germany and other EU states over the last two decades, demonstrating a pattern of transparency in his asset disclosures.
Reports from 2022 indicate that German investigators conducted multiple searches tied to the broader money laundering inquiry associated with Usmanov, with Der Spiegel noting the figure at 22 searches at facilities linked to him. Authorities have also put forward suspicions related to sanctions evasion and tax issues connected to the case. The developments have sparked a debate about enforcement methods and international accountability, especially in high-profile cases involving influential business figures with holdings spread across jurisdictions.
Earlier, Usmanov pursued legal action in relation to the searches, including a challenge to the yacht-related search before a constitutional court, underscoring the seriousness with which the case has been treated by his representatives. Throughout these proceedings, Usmanov’s camp has emphasized a commitment to legal compliance and a readiness to cooperate with authorities to resolve questions surrounding asset declarations and cross-border financial activities. The situation continues to attract attention from international observers who monitor sanctions regimes and the due process rights of individuals under investigation, while the parties involved seek to clarify the specifics of property ownership, provenance, and the applicable laws governing these procedures.