法國因稅務和製裁調查逮捕俄羅斯大亨阿列克謝·庫茲米切夫

French authorities have detained Russian billionaire Alexei Kuzmichev, a co-founder of the Alfa Group, who is currently under EU sanctions. He is suspected of tax evasion and breaching these sanctions. Kuzmichev was arrested in the resort town of Saint-Tropez. The police also conducted searches at several properties associated with him, including his residence in Paris and his villa in Saint-Tropez.

The European Union included Kuzmichev in a list of Russian nationals subjected to sanctions in March 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kuzmichev has a significant stake in Alfa Bank, which is one of Russia's largest tax contributors. Kuzmichev himself is considered one of the most influential figures in Russia, with close ties to President Vladimir Putin.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian government should be notified about the detention of a Russian citizen in France. He added that if Kuzmichev desires, they will assist in safeguarding his rights as a Russian citizen. Kuzmichev will be interrogated and may subsequently be referred to an investigative judge to determine whether charges should be filed. Two yachts owned by Kuzmichev, valued at over €5 million, were seized by the authorities in March 2022 due to the EU sanctions. Kuzmichev has initiated an appeal to have the EU sanctions against him lifted. A decision is expected on November 15.