Russian oligarch sues to lift sanctions in Australia
A Russian billionaire has launched civil action to lift sanctions against him, after he was banned from conducting business or entering Australia after the invasion of Ukraine.
Police & Courts
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A Russian oligarch has claimed he suffered reputational damage after he was banned from conducting business or entering Australia following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
In April, steel mogul Alexander Abramov, 63, who is worth more than US$6bn, was among 67 oligarchs, politicians and military officials from the Russian elite who were sanctioned by the federal government.
Earlier this year the billionaire, who amassed his fortune as co-founder of manufacturing and mining company Evraz, launched civil action in the Federal Court against Foreign Minister Penny Wong in an attempt to have the sanctions lifted.
During an administrative hearing in Melbourne on Friday, top silk Ron Merkel, QC, who is acting for the Russian, argued his client had suffered reputational damage and ongoing financial loss as a result of the sanctions and legal proceedings.
Mr Merkel contended the penalties against his client were “unique” to Australia as other countries had not sanctioned Mr Abramov.
“Our real point here is the approach the minister has taken is misconceived,” he said.
“The ultimate aim is to remove the sanctions imposed.”
Mr Merkel said public statements made by former foreign minister Marise Payne, who announced the sanctions, would form part of the suit.
Barrister Brendan Lim acting on behalf of Ms Wong, who was Ms Payne’s successor following the election, flagged the government was considering an application to prevent the public release of court documents.
It’s not known if Mr Abramov, who is reportedly based in Switzerland, has business interests in Australia but he does have holdings in New Zealand, which Mr Merkel said was affected by Australian sanctions.
He owns a $50m luxury retreat in Helena Bay on the country’s North Island with the New Zealand government earlier this year considering introducing its own sanctions against the Russian.
The oligarch also invested in residential developments in Auckland through a company he co-financed.
In April, Ms Payne announced 67 Russians would be sanctioned in response to Vladimir Putin’s “illegal war” against Ukraine.
Two months later Russia returned serve, imposing restrictions on 121 Australians, including journalists and defence officials in response to a “Russophobic agenda”.
The case will return to court on August 26.
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