Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich, through his lawyer, has denied allegations that he has been involved with money laundering in the past.
Through lawyer Daniel Glasl, the tycoon has also refuted claims that he is connected with criminal networks. The Russian was denied Swiss residency two years ago amid such reports. It has been reported that the Swiss Federal Police advised the Immigration department not to grant Abramovich residence.
“We are extremely disappointed by the release and publication of confidential information from Swiss government files regarding Mr Abramovich, which occurred in clear violation of Swiss criminal law and Swiss data protection laws,” Glasl is quoted as saying.
“We have filed a request for correction of facts to the Swiss Federal Police and will be filing a criminal complaint against unknown persons responsible for dissemination of this confidential information. Any suggestion that Mr Abramovich has been involved in money-laundering or has contacts with criminal organisations is entirely false” he added.
“Mr Abramovich has never been charged with participating in money-laundering and does not have a criminal record. He has never had or been alleged to have, connections with criminal organisations. Fedpol has failed to provide any evidence of criminality whatsoever.” the advocate concluded.
Initially, the press was barred from publishing the story but the Federal Court overturned an earlier judgement on Friday to allow publication of details involving Abramovich and his application for Swiss residence.