French Ministry Raided in Russian Billionaire Money Laundering Probe

Authorities investigate Souleïman Kerimov's alleged use of false ownership structures to conceal luxury properties on the Côte d’Azur.

French authorities raided the Ministry of Economy and Finance on March 27, 2025, as part of an investigation into suspected real estate money laundering by Russian billionaire Souleïman Kerimov.
Investigators are examining a 2019 tax agreement between Kerimov and French authorities, focusing on the restructuring of luxury real estate holdings valued at over €38 million.
The properties in question, including the villa 'Hier' in Antibes, were allegedly registered under false names to obscure Kerimov’s ownership.
The investigation, led by JUNALCO, builds on years of scrutiny into Kerimov’s financial activities, reignited in 2022 by a Tracfin financial intelligence report.
Kerimov, under EU sanctions since 2022 for his ties to the Russian government, is accused of laundering between €500 million and €750 million in France.