Dmitry Rybolovlev appeared in court in Monaco on Thursday morning charged with “being complicit in violating privacy” and was released to appear at a later date.
The Russian billionaire, and majority owner of AS Monaco, is involved in a long-running dispute with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier over claims that he was overcharged for a number of iconic art works when Bouvier acted as a middleman.
The criminal charge against Rybolovlev stems from a complaint by Monaco resident Tania Rappo, who introduced Bouvier to Rybolovlev in 2003. She was briefly held in custody along with Bouvier in February 2015, under suspicion of moneylaundering.
The high profile affair took a dramatic turn with the sudden resignation and later arrest of Monaco’s top judicial official, Philippe Narmino, four weeks ago. Narmino, and a lawyer acting for Rybolovlev, Tetiana Bersheda, had come under suspicion of colluding in the original arrest of Bouvier through an exchange of text messages. Both have strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Monaco’s public prosecutor Jacques Doremieux told AFP that Rybolovlev’s brief court appearance Thursday was a “procedural formality”.
“There’s no questioning and it is referred to another date to be heard on its merits.”
AS Monaco publicly presented its new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, this week to discuss his goals for the Red and Whites and to be formally welcomed by the club.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished runner-up in Austria for the second year running on Sunday but the Monegasque champion says it still felt like a win.
The Palace has released a gorgeous family portrait of Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and the twins to mark the couple's 9th wedding anniversary this week.
The E-Rally Monte-Carlo held later this year will take place around the Principality of Monaco, with a new route through the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var.
AS Monaco publicly presented its new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, this week to discuss his goals for the Red and Whites and to be formally welcomed by the club.
Saturday 10 June, 5.30 pm to 8 pm, and Sunday 11 June, 10 am to 6.30 pm, Espace Fontvieille
50th International Bouquet Competition on the theme “Tribute to Princess Grace: A Look Back at Competitions from 1968 to 1982” (floral art exhibition), organised by the Garden Club of Monaco
Information: +377 93 30 02 04
