An investigation into the records found that the alleged practice continued from 1999 to at least 2013, involving more than 1,000 corporate documents linked to over 100 companies. The documents reportedly included contracts, payment instructions and correspondence given dates earlier than when they were actually created.
The findings point to the involvement of personnel from Deloitte’s Cyprus office and Meritservus, a financial advisory firm that later operated independently. The records suggest that the backdated paperwork was used to alter the apparent history of financial transactions and ownership arrangements involving companies connected to Abramovich.
One major case involved Kravin Investments, an offshore company that received billions of dollars from the sale of shares in Russian oil company Sibneft. Investigators found that documents were allegedly created retrospectively to make it appear that approximately $2 billion held by Kravin belonged to another offshore entity, potentially removing the funds from its taxable accounts.
The investigation also raised questions about the handling of assets linked to Abramovich’s oil business and a legal dispute involving his former business partner, Chalva Tchigrinsky. Documents reportedly indicated that some agreements presented during proceedings at the UK High Court had been prepared years after their stated dates.
Abramovich’s close associate Eugene Tenenbaum was also linked to several transactions in the leaked records, despite previously stating that he had no knowledge of certain dealings. Both men have denied allegations of wrongdoing, including improper document backdating, fraud and misleading the court.
Deloitte Cyprus said it could not comment on specific historical correspondence but maintained that it operates in compliance with applicable laws. Abramovich’s legal representatives also denied that he had evaded taxes or knowingly participated in the alleged falsification of documents.
The revelations have renewed scrutiny of offshore financial structures and the role of professional advisers in managing the wealth of powerful business figures. The allegations remain contested, and the reported findings do not by themselves establish criminal liability.
