Abramovich appeared in person in the Fribourg civil court to defend the case against his companies.
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Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire, is on trial in Switzerland. He is accused of defrauding a publicly-funded European bank of millions of taxpayers’ money.
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swissinfo.ch with SDA-ATS; urs
A court in the city of Fribourg on Wednesday opened proceedings against the 52-year-old businessman and owner of the English football club, Chelsea, amid heightened security.
The case about the labyrinthine business dealings dates back to the year 2000 and has broad international dimensions. It also involves a Swiss-based company, Runicom.
The claimants say they will pursue Abramovich “anywhere he goes”, as they told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) earlier this year.
Gazprom argues a Swiss court has no jurisdiction in the highly complex case.
However, the Swiss Supreme Court has ruled that the law suit can be held in Switzerland. It is not clear how long the trial will last.
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Amherd: Council of Europe is ‘as urgently needed as ever’
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The Swiss government emphasised on Sunday the vital role of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe, 75 years after it was founded.
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Confusion surrounds Roman Abramovich’s Swiss residency request
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Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich wanted to set up home near Verbier, Canton Valais, in 2016 but withdrew his application a year later, reports say.
Viktor Vekselberg: a discreet Russian oligarch in Switzerland
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Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, a target of recent US sanctions, has deep ties to Switzerland stretching back many years.
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