Oil tycoon hints at legal action over UK's sanctions on Russian oligarchs
The oil tycoon, 54, is believed to be the first Russian oligarch to signal that the crippling sanctions could lead to court action, or even police involvement, as he claimed that there was 'not a single fact' to support the measures.
Russian Oil tycoon, Oleg Deripaska has suggested the UK government's sanctioning of Russian oligarchs over Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine may face legal challenges.
The 54-year-old is believed to be the first Russian oligarch to signal that the crippling sanctions could lead to court action, or even police involvement, as he claimed that there was 'not a single fact' to support the measures.
Deripaska was among seven Russian oligarchs to be hit by brutal new UK sanctions, which were unveiled on Thursday, as the government continues to tighten 'the vice' around Putin's cronies.
In a blistering tweet, he wrote: 'Since there's not a single fact in support of Boris' cabinet's fantasies it will be for the courts and the police to decide the future for all in this sanctions story.'
Deripaska is a close ally of the Russian President and has been accused of aiding the Kremlin in foreign influence operations.
Earlier this week, Deripaska and his one-time business partner Roman Abramovich were hit with an asset freeze and travel bans.
The government announced that owner of Chelsea FC Abramovich will be prohibited from transactions with UK individuals and businesses. The government could still grant him a licence to sell the club, but will need to be assured that he will not benefit financially and any proceeds would remain frozen.
Deripaska was hit with the same measures this week - as were Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and four more described as being in Putin's 'inner circle'.
The Foreign Office said the Economic Crime Bill coming into force next week 'will allow UK Government to move further and faster than ever on sanctions'.
Boris Johnson said the government will keep 'tightening the vice' around Putin's cronies following the Russian leader's 'vicious' invasion of Ukraine, which has seen troops continue to advance towards the capital of Kyiv.
'There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin's vicious assault on Ukraine,' he said.
'Today's sanctions are the latest step in the UK's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.'
Since the sanctions were announced, MailOnline learned that estate agents Knight Frank have pulled out of trying to sell the £18million Surrey mansion owned by Deripaska.
The five-bedroom art deco Hamstone House was put on the market last month prior to the invasion of Ukraine.
Set in eight acres of manicured grounds, the five-bedroom home is in the exclusive St George's Hill private gated community in Weybridge, Surrey.
Knight Frank were instructed to sell the property in January, but potential buyers will no longer be able to find any details on their website after the company took the decision to no longer market the property.
A source at the company said: 'We have stepped away from the instruction.'
Deripaska owns the stunning home through Cyprus-based Edenfield Investments Limited.
