Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is facing claims that he could owe HM Revenue and Customs up to £1 billion in unpaid taxes after an alleged botched attempt to avoid tax on hedge fund investments. The Russian billionaire, who led Chelsea for almost two decades through the most successful period in the club's history, has denied any deliberate wrongdoing.
![[Billionaire Abramovich owned Chelsea for almost two decades between 2003 and 2022]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94639053-14338417-image-a-74_1738163779470.jpg)
But according to a report by the BBC, leaked documents suggest that Abramovich routed investments worth around £4.7bn through companies in the British Virgin Islands, despite evidence indicating that these investments were managed from the UK. If proved, this could mean that the profits should have been subject to UK taxation.
![[Under Abramovich's reign, Chelsea won 21 major trophies - including the FIFA Club World Cup]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94641643-14338417-image-a-76_1738164838886.jpg)
Some of the funds that helped bankroll Chelsea during Abramovich's tenure can allegedly be traced back to companies involved in the scheme. However, Abramovich's lawyers have said that the ex-Blues owner 'always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice' and 'acted in accordance with that advice'.
![[Powered by heavy investment from Abramovich, Chelsea become one of Europe's top clubs]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94641617-14338417-image-a-78_1738165127320.jpg)
Ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been accused of allegedly dodging tax in the UK. Billionaire Abramovich owned Chelsea for almost two decades between 2003 and 2022. Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and remained in charge until 2022. Under his ownership, the club spent heavily in the transfer market, splashing out more than £2bn on player acquisitions.
![[Abramovich was replaced in 2022 by Todd Boehly, after his consortium purchased the club]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94641627-14338417-image-a-77_1738164908524.jpg)
The Russian oligarch's financial backing transformed the club into a European powerhouse and help to deliver 21 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League crowns, and two Europa League triumphs.
