The disclosure raises serious questions about the role played by PwC Cyprus in a potential sanctions breach.
Details of the blue-chip accounting firm's work for the Kremlin-connected tycoon have emerged as part of the Cyprus Confidential project-a cache of 3.6m offshore records leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and Germany's Paper Trail Media, which shared access with the Guardian and other media partners.
The files contain emails in which PwC Cyprus staff discuss attempting to transfer about a third of the shares in Tui, Europe's largest travel company, to the life partner of the steel, mining and banking tycoon Alexei Mordashov. The move shines a light on the services blue-chip advisers performed for wealthy Russian clients, amid a debate about the timings of when EU sanctions become fully active.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, western governments have imposed the largest ever package of sanctions against Russia and its business elite, and attention is now turning to ensuring those restrictions are enforced.
A spokesperson for the Cyprus ministry of finance said: "We are aware of Tui share transfers and a criminal investigation is being carried out."
A government spokesperson confirmed the investigation was "ongoing" and being conducted by the "responsible authorities" in Cyprus. He declined to give any further details.
PwC said it was unaware of any criminal investigation. In response to information in the leaked files, a spokesperson for the accounting firm said: "Any allegation of noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations is taken very seriously, investigated and appropriate action is taken if necessary."
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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