German Prosecutors Drop Money Laundering Case Against Billionaire Alisher Usmanov

Frankfurt prosecutors have officially dropped a money laundering investigation against Alisher Usmanov, the Russian-Uzbek billionaire, his legal team announced on Monday. Usmanov’s lawyers from Wannemacher & Partner, Uwe Lehmbruck and Dr. Markus Gotzens, expressed that they had “always insisted on the innocence” of their client, calling this decision a significant step in restoring his reputation.

The investigation, which had been ongoing for more than two and a half years, was unable to substantiate key accusations against Usmanov, including allegations of money laundering, his lawyers said. Questions regarding the case were directed to the Frankfurt Prosecutor’s Office, which referred inquiries to federal prosecutors who were not immediately available for comment.

Usmanov, 71, is estimated by the Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index to have a net worth of $14.4 billion, with investments spanning mining, industry, telecoms, and media.

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