UAE Prince Accused of Helping Russian Oligarchs Evade Sanctions
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE, could face sanctions if found guilty of helping rich Russians park assets in the country
IHR-Advisors in Middle East Eye on 2 October 2022
The Middle East Eye reports that:
At the instigation of a Ukrainian activist, international criminal lawyers Rhys Davies and Ben Keith have presented to the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, information that Sheikh Mansour is "central" to the flow of sanctioned money to the UAE.
The investigation, if the British government proceeds with it, will likely deepen scrutiny over the UAE's role in providing a haven to citizens of one of the world's most sanctioned countries.
In their legal submission, the lawyers said that the UAE "is now widely perceived to be the destination of choice for sanctioned supporters of Putin".
The lawyers added that reports suggest Russian billionaires are "increasingly approaching Sheikh Mansour's office" to help shelter their ill-gotten gains.
The attempt by lawyers to push this investigation may strain relations between the two countries, which are generally considered close.
According to reports submitted by the lawyers, more than 38 businessmen or officials linked to the Russian president own properties valued at more than $314m.
The article, published by Middle East Eye on 2 October 2022, can be read in full here.
