Cyprus police examine Abramovich’s finances and tax affairs from 2003 to 2006

Cyprus police have opened an investigation into Roman Abramovich’s financial and tax affairs after an investigation by the Guardian and media partners raised questions about paperwork linked to his business empire. A senior police official told a parliamentary committee that the inquiry concerns events from 2003 to 2006 and could take six months.

The reporting found that aides, including staff at Deloitte’s Cyprus office, appeared to have backdated or falsified documents mapping offshore businesses and assets worth billions of pounds. Investigators will gather evidence and consult relevant authorities, though the time elapsed may make the inquiry harder. Abramovich has denied wrongdoing, while Deloitte Cyprus has said it complies with the law and can no longer access the relevant material.