Real Fabergé eggs or not?

Oligarch Usmanov speaks of "political persecution"

Created: 09/27/2022, 11:16 am

By: Stephen Hank

After the raid on his house, oligarch Alisher Usmanov denies any allegations and is stunned.

Rottach-Egern - There is confusion about the Fabergé eggs that were found last week during the raid on the villa of the Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanow in Rottach-Egern (we reported).

While the Munich II public prosecutor's office assumes that these are originals - subject to a final review - Usmanow now spoke of "souvenirs worth several thousand euros that were made in Munich with artificial gemstones".

Rottach-Egern: Oligarch Usmanow speaks of "political persecution"

According to a press release from the billionaire, the four Fabergé eggs were intended as gifts for friends and relatives in Uzbekistan.

"People may have assumed that a man who honestly and legally made a great fortune and donated billions to charity could afford these things," Usmanov said.

The ongoing investigations have "all the hallmarks of political persecution - the persecution of an art patron simply because he has assets in Russia."

Usmanov was stunned by the illegality of the measures taken against him and by the fact that the media presented empty and unfounded allegations as if they were committed and proven crimes.

Usmanov could even go to prison

According to the public prosecutor's office, jewelry, paintings and an apparently extensive wine and spirits collection were seized in the house in Rottach-Egern in addition to the Fabergé eggs.

Usmanov should have reported the valuables, which are now being appraised, under the sanctions provisions.

According to the public prosecutor, there is an initial suspicion that the accused did not comply.

Now he faces a fine or even imprisonment.

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