Vekselberg’s confidant Vladislav Osipov: A marathon against the US justice system

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Vladislav Osipov (52) completed the half marathon held in Lucerne at the end of October in 1 hour 37 minutes 38 seconds. This was one of many fun runs he has completed in Switzerland in recent years. Osipov celebrated his sports hobby on Facebook. Numerous photos show him running, training and competing with his sports colleagues.

That has ended since the US law enforcement agency, the FBI, filed charges against Osipov in late January and issued an arrest warrant for him ten days ago. The reward for information leading to Osipov’s arrest is one million dollars, the equivalent of 880,000 francs.

The US justice system accuses him of deceiving banks and thus helping his confidant Viktor Vekselberg (66) evade US sanctions. There are also allegations of money laundering. A Briton, also accused by the Americans, was later arrested in Spain.

Transactions regarding the luxury yacht “Tango”, worth 90 million francs, owned by Viktor Vekselberg, are centrally located. Swiss Steel, a shareholder of the Sulzer industrial group and a steel producer, has been on the US sanctions list since 2018 and has been working with Osipov for years. He took part in the board of directors of the real estate company Züblin, in which Vekselberg had a significant share.

Swiss-Russian has been in hiding ever since

In the case of the 78-meter-long “Tango”, it is said that Osipov tried to hide the real owner Vekselberg by giving false information to the banks. The ship was partially under the codename “Fanta”. An employee in the United States once had elegant bathrobes made emblazoned with the “Tango” logo. However, the code name “Fanta” was written on the invoice.

Osipov lived in Herrliberg ZH, was naturalized there and integrated into the community. This is demonstrated by posts on social networks.

The Swiss Russian has since gone into hiding and the financial services company’s website is no longer accessible; and the sign at the company’s business address was removed.

Osipov immediately resigned from the board of real estate company Züblin after the FBI issued the arrest warrant.

Osipov made it clear through his real estate company that he firmly denies all allegations and will use all legal means to defend himself. He is presumed innocent.

There is no ongoing transaction in this context

In Switzerland, which imposes sanctions and embargoes like the USA, Osipov has not been disturbed by the judiciary so far. “The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is not dealing with this matter at this time,” spokeswoman Claudia Balzli said. The Zurich cantonal prosecutor’s office also does not conduct criminal investigations against dual citizens. Spokesperson Erich Wenzinger announced upon request that there is no ongoing investigation in this context.

The United States has not yet contacted Switzerland with a request for legal assistance. Federal Justice Department spokeswoman Ingrid Ryser said no request had been received. It is not known whether this also applies to the search for Osipov and the possible extradition of the wanted person. “Search and extradition requests are confidential and subject to official secrecy,” Ryser said.

Osipov wants to continue competing in Switzerland. As can be seen on the scheduling service provider’s website, he had already registered early for Hallwilerseelauf next October. Under these circumstances, it seems unlikely that Osipov will run another long distance run in Switzerland. Rather, he finds himself in an international marathon; as someone who is hunted.

Source :Blick