Britain has seized two jets belonging to Russian billionaire Eugene Shvidler in a bid to deprive President Vladimir Putin’s friends of their luxury toys as the war in Ukraine rages on.
The billionaire oil tycoon’s planes, a $45 million Bombardier Global 6500 and a $13 million Cessna Citation Latitude, have been held “indefinitely” after they were arrested for three weeks as part of an investigation had been left on the ground, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Saturday.
“I’ve been investigating Eugene Shvidler’s jets for three weeks since Putin launched his illegal attack. Now I am using my powers to HOLD them indefinitely.” Shapps tweeted. “Putin’s friends, who made millions from his regime, will not enjoy luxuries while innocent people die.”
Britain and other Western countries have been sanctioning wealthy Russians since the February 24 invasion of Ukraine, leading some of the oligarchs to whine about not being able to pay their bills.
A private jet believed to have ties to Russian oil tycoon Eugene Shvidler.Peter MacDiarmid/Shutterstock
Eugene Shvidler also has ties to fellow oligarch Roman Abramovich.PA Images via Getty Images
European countries have also confiscated several yachts docked by wealthy Russians in Italy and Spain.
Shvidler’s assets in the country were frozen last week because of his ties to those who supported the war in Ukraine and because he benefited from his support for the Putin regime, the UK said.
He is also linked to Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich as a shareholder in his steel company Evraz PLC.
A private helicopter owned by Russian company HeliCo Group LLC was also arrested, the BBC reported.
The UK has made it a criminal offense for aircraft owned, operated or chartered by Russians – including private jets – to fly or land in the UK.