The Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office has announced the termination of an investigation against sanctioned Uzbek-Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov over suspected violations of Germany's foreign trade law related to EU sanctions imposed on him in 2022. The closure marks another legal victory for Usmanov, following the discontinuation of a money laundering investigation in November 2024.

The closed probe centred on allegations that Usmanov had orchestrated payments for security services at real estate properties in Rotach-Egern, Bavaria between April and September 2022 through overseas companies, as well as claims that he failed to declare assets in Germany to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control in breach of EU sanction regulations. The case, consolidated in 2024, had remained at the preliminary investigation stage throughout.

Usmanov's legal representatives firmly denied any connection to the companies and assets in question, contending that EU sanctions provisions were inapplicable. Following their defence, the prosecutor agreed to close the case under Section 153a, Paragraph 1 of the German Code of Criminal Procedure, with Usmanov's consent. As part of the settlement, the billionaire agreed to make a voluntary €10mn charitable donation. The legal framework precludes any reopening of investigations based on the same allegations, and Usmanov retains the presumption of innocence.

Wannemacher & Partner Rechtsanwälte, the law firm representing Usmanov, stated that no charges were ever filed and the case never progressed beyond the preliminary stage.

“Nevertheless, the investigation dragged on for more than three years,” Usmanov’s lawyers noted, adding that in the interests of procedural efficiency and his personal wellbeing, Usmanov agreed to its termination pursuant to German legal practice. The Munich prosecutor office said in its statement that the charitable donation would be split between the state treasury and a number of NGOs.  

The Munich investigation closure comes amid a long legal campaign by Usmanov to defend his reputation in the press. Since 2023, his lawyers have secured 16 court rulings and 102 cease-and-desist agreements from media organizations, leading to corrections in more than 1,250 publications worldwide, according to the statement.