Abramovich appeared in person in the Fribourg civil court to defend the case against his companies.
Keystone
Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire, is on trial in Switzerland. He is accused of defrauding a publicly-funded European bank of millions of taxpayers’ money.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch with SDA-ATS; urs
A court in the city of Fribourg on Wednesday opened proceedings against the 52-year-old businessman and owner of the English football club, Chelsea, amid heightened security.
The case about the labyrinthine business dealings dates back to the year 2000 and has broad international dimensions. It also involves a Swiss-based company, Runicom.
The claimants say they will pursue Abramovich “anywhere he goes”, as they told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) earlier this year.
Gazprom argues a Swiss court has no jurisdiction in the highly complex case.
However, the Swiss Supreme Court has ruled that the law suit can be held in Switzerland. It is not clear how long the trial will last.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Documentary portrays Swiss teenagers forced to return to parents’ homeland
This content was published on
The "Dubai chocolate" has also caused a rush in Switzerland: queues formed outside the Lindt chocolate factory in Kilchberg, canton Zurich, on Saturday morning.
This content was published on
Stargazers currently have the chance to spot shooting stars in the night sky. Until November 30, the Leonid meteor shower is lighting up the darkness.
Nationalisation suggested to save Red Cross Museum
This content was published on
The director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva is calling for a national debate on the institution's future.
Climate: 224 Swiss companies announce CO2 reduction targets
This content was published on
A total of 224 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets that are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss political class divided over reform of EU asylum pact
This content was published on
As a result of the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, Switzerland must adapt five laws linked to the Schengen/Dublin agreements.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Confusion surrounds Roman Abramovich’s Swiss residency request
This content was published on
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich wanted to set up home near Verbier, Canton Valais, in 2016 but withdrew his application a year later, reports say.
Viktor Vekselberg: a discreet Russian oligarch in Switzerland
This content was published on
Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, a target of recent US sanctions, has deep ties to Switzerland stretching back many years.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.