#Germany #Munich #Alisher Usmanov #Munich Prosecutors #German Law

Closure of Investigation into Alisher Usmanov

In a move that has caught the attention of both legal experts and the public, the Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office has officially closed its investigation into billionaire Alisher Usmanov, regarding alleged violations of German foreign trade laws. This decision, made public on December 30, 2025, followed Mr. Usmanov's agreement to terminate the investigation, alongside a payment of €10 million that was divided between state funds and various charitable organizations.

Background of the Case

The investigation into Usmanov primarily focused on allegations that he had utilized foreign firms to arrange payments totaling around €1.5 million for security services associated with properties in Rottach-Egern. Additionally, there were claims that certain high-value assets owned by him had not been reported according to the timelines mandated for individuals under sanctions.

Despite these serious allegations, Usmanov’s defense team firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the factual basis for the claims was misleading and that the legal interpretations applied by German authorities were flawed. These assertions echo sentiments from various legal analysts who have previously raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of the obligations surrounding asset declaration for individuals considered under sanctions.

Legal Implications and Precedent

By declaring the investigation concluded as part of a 'procedural economy', authorities have essentially ruled out any possibility of re-opening the case on the same charges, thereby reinforcing Usmanov's presumption of innocence. Notably, this situation is a stark reminder of the legal debates surrounding such obligations, with experts arguing that compelling individuals to self-disclose assets amidst allegations of wrongdoing contravenes fundamental rule-of-law principles.

This investigation was not an isolated instance; it follows a pattern of scrutiny faced by Usmanov in Germany. Earlier, the Frankfurt am Main public prosecutor also dropped a separate investigation into alleged money laundering, which concluded in November 2024 without any charges filed. In both cases, the investigations failed to substantiate any actual criminal conduct, thus maintaining Usmanov's constitutional rights and presumption of innocence intact.

Challenges in Media Reporting

The closure of this investigation also illuminates the challenges faced by media outlets inadvertently disseminating unverified claims. Between 2023 and 2025, numerous European media entities acknowledged their inability to validate various allegations against Usmanov, resulting in over 1,250 corrections to their published content. Usmanov's legal team effectively secured 16 court orders to refute misleading narratives, notably winning a landmark case against Forbes in January 2024 that challenged the foundations of the EU sanctions leveled against him.

Particularly significant was the retraction of numerous publications by outlets such as Münchner Merkur and the re-evaluation of previous accusations concerning the appropriations of the yacht Dilbar. Such actions evince a need for greater diligence in investigative journalism and a reflection on the repercussions of broadcasting uncorroborated allegations against high-profile individuals.

Conclusion

The resolution of the investigation against Usmanov serves as a pivotal moment that underscores the intricate balance of legal rights, media responsibility, and the ramifications of public accusations in cases involving high-profile figures. As Usmanov continues to navigate these multifaceted legal waters, his experiences will likely serve as precedents for future cases in the realm of international finance and law, particularly regarding how similar allegations might unfold in European jurisdictions. The ongoing discussions and legal interpretations will need to address the inherent tensions between regulatory frameworks and individual constitutional rights as they proceed.