Report: Swiss police saw Abramovich as risk due to criminal suspicions

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich withdrew his application for Swiss residency in June 2017 after federal police became suspicious of the Russian oligarch over money laundering and other possible criminal ties, according to The Guardian's Juliette Garside.

Swiss publisher Tamedia released a letter Tuesday from Swiss police that had been under wraps for seven months because of a legal challenge from Abramovich's representatives. Garside, who reviewed Tamedia's report, said police had advised immigration officials Abramovich would be a "threat to public security and a reputational risk" if he moved to the canton of Valais, citing "suspicions of money laundering and presumed contacts with criminal organizations." There were also suggestions that Abramovich's assets were at least partially obtained illegally.

Abramovich's lawyer, Daniel Glasl, released a statement vehemently denying the accusations.

"Any suggestion that Mr. Abramovich has been involved in money laundering or has contacts with criminal organizations is entirely false," Glasl said. "Mr. Abramovich has never been charged with participating in money laundering and does not have a criminal record. He has never had, or been alleged to have, connections with criminal organizations."

Abramovich has kept his distance from Chelsea since his U.K. visa expired last spring. The government failed to process a renewal and he subsequently withdrew his application this spring. He's since obtained Israeli citizenship.

Chelsea shelved plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge in May due to an "unfavorable investment climate." The announcement came as U.K. prime minister Theresa May threatened to "freeze Russian state assets" on British soil as retaliation for the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy.

It was later reported that Abramovich had decided to sell Chelsea. Bloomberg's Stephanie Baker, David Hellier, and Irina Reznik believe the 51-year-old wants £3 billion for the Blues.