Biography & Early Wealth Journey

"He was not sanctioned because of evidence relating to the criteria: he was sanctioned simply because politically, the most famous Russian businessman had to be even if this is a manifest error."

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Abramovich's court hearing commenced on July 13, and his lawyers did indeed argue that his fame made him a target of the EU. Politico quoted the arguments made by his attorney before the court:

Primary Income Streams & Multi-Million Contracts

"Celebrity is a double-edged sword. Ask yourself this question: When the war started, did this very famous Russian have a chance of avoiding the restrictive measures? The answer is no."

Abramovich's efforts to get the sanctions lifted are an uphill battle. Even if he wins this specific case, EU laws give the Council of the EU latitude to impose new ones on different grounds.