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The Chief Minister has ordered an independent review after the Royal Court ruled that damages should be paid from public funds following an unlawful Police raid of two premises allegedly linked to Roman Abramovich.
Police officers seconded to the Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit raided two properties in April this year.
It led to more than $7bn-worth of assets suspected to be connected to Mr Abramovich being frozen by the Royal Court by means of a formal court order, known as a 'saisie judiciaire'.
At an unpublicised Royal Court hearing on Wednesday, Chief of Police Robin Smith admitted that the search was unlawful, that the warrants should be quashed and confirmed that copies of the evidence had been destroyed.
Anonymised court documents released to Express and the JEP this morning also showed that Mr Smith agreed to apologise to the two applicants – reported by Reuters as being the two companies searched – and pay damages to them from public funds.
After Ministers and members of the Law Officers' Department held a crunch meeting on the matter yesterday evening, Chief Minister Kristina Moore issued the following statement shortly after 14:00.
Chief Minister Kristina Moore said this afternoon:
“It is not possible for me to comment on live legal proceedings.
“One of Jersey's strengths is our high-quality judicial system, which alongside a highly regulated professional services industry, has assured the island's position and reputation as an internationally respected and well-regulated jurisdiction.
“The Government requires all Jersey authorities to adhere to the highest international standards, including the most stringent checks and balances.
“I have therefore requested an independent review is undertaken following recent media reports relating to an ongoing investigation led by Jersey's Economic Crime and Confiscation Unit within the Law Officers’ Department. This will ensure any lessons learned can be considered and implemented in the most expedient manner.
“My understanding is that this matter will not impact the ongoing legal proceedings.
“I should be clear that the Jersey authorities will never make funds available to anyone designated under UK or UN sanctions. Our sanctions authority acts without fear or favour and all sanctioned individuals have access to proper license arrangements."
See tomorrow's JEP for further analysis tomorrow...
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