A Russian oligarch wanted over the collapse of one of Moscow’s largest banks is allowed to spend almost £45,000 a month on security amid fears he could fall victim to a Novichok-style attack.
In March, the High Court granted a £1.34 billion freezing order against Georgy Bedzhamov, who is wanted in Russia on corruption charges after Vneshprombank failed in 2016.
Bedzhamov, who denies the allegations, has now successfully challenged a £80,000-a-month spending cap, telling the Court of Appeal he needs more money to pay for his homes in London and Monaco and for security teams in both cities.
In a ruling published yesterday, Lord Justice Males agreed to increase the limit to about £161,000 to include rent, medical expenses, his children’s education and the private security.
A fellow judge agreed with the decision while the third member of the panel, Sir Geoffrey Vos, disagreed, noting Bedzhamov told the court “the police expressed concerns about his security in April 2019 following the well-publicised incident concerning Sergei Skripal and his daughter”.
Bedzhamov used to run the Russian bobsleigh federation.
