German Prosecutors Drop Case Against Alisher Usmanov

On December 30, 2025, the Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office ended its investigation into Alisher Usmanov for alleged violations of German foreign trade law linked to EU sanctions. The case closure followed Usmanov's agreement to pay EUR 10 million, benefiting the state treasury and several charities. His defense contested both the allegations and the legal basis of the sanctions. The procedure ended solely for purposes of procedural economy, and no charges were filed, preserving Usmanov's presumed innocence.

This is not the first case against Usmanov to be closed. In November 2024, the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office terminated a separate money laundering investigation without charges. Between 2023 and 2025, Usmanov achieved numerous legal victories, resulting in over 1,250 corrections by European media and several court rulings in his favor.