“Russian oligarchs like Abramovich will face consequences if they break US export laws,” a Department of Commerce official stated. However, it’s unclear whether officials are aware of where the planes are being stored.
The jets include a $350 million (£280 million) Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a $60 million (£48 million) Gulfstream G650 ER, both of which are cutting-edge aircraft utilised by several of the world’s best airlines.
The likelihood of authorities gaining control of them, on the other hand, is unknown.
The jets were not in the Department of Justice’s possession, and an official declined to disclose if they knew where they were.
Due to UK sanctions imposed on anyone suspected of having ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian state, the Russian billionaire has already had to sell Chelsea football club.
Mr. Abramovich has denied having a strong relationship with the president, but he was involved in some early-war diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine.
According to authorities, the Gulfstream flew from Istanbul to Moscow on March 12, then to Tel Aviv the next day before returning to Istanbul on March 15.
According to the Department of Commerce, the Boeing flew from Dubai to Moscow on March 4th.
The warrants were issued on Monday by a Manhattan judge after recent flights breached US export rules.
Because the trips took place after the sanctions were imposed, Mr Abramovich would have needed a licence from the Department of Commerce to use the planes.
He was not issued any licences, and he might face fines of up to $328,000 each flight, among other penalties.
The children of Roman Abramovich have been handed ownership of planes.
“Russian oligarchs like Abramovich will face consequences if they break US export laws,” said commerce official John Sonderman.
The government took steps in March to essentially ground Mr. Abramovich’s Gulfstream and 99 other jets it claimed had recently visited Russia.
According to prosecutors, the millionaire owns both planes through shell companies registered in Jersey, Cyprus, and the British Virgin Islands.
According to the Department of Commerce, he modified the ownership structure in February to make his children the beneficiaries of the trust that ultimately owns the plane.
He was remained in charge of the jets when they went to Moscow in March, according to the report.
Mr Abramovich has not been directly sanctioned in the United States, despite the warrants, as he has been in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
