The international chase for Russian money started in the ports where Russian oligarchs moor their superyachts and continued in the neighborhoods of “Londongrad”, as the most expensive part of London is called, where they have bought expensive villas.
Now, under the microscope are the villas of Russian billionaires in the Mediterranean and especially on the French Riviera.
The French government has set up a task force to examine assets believed to belong to Russians and has seized about 30 properties worth more than half a billion euros.
So far, however, no move has been reported by the French authorities in relation to the Château de la Croë, a historic villa of almost 2,500 sq.m. which once belonged to Aristotle Onassis, but is now owned by him Roman Abramovich.
The Château de la Croë is secluded over 70 acres on the Cape Cap d’Antibes in Antipas, a city on the French Riviera between Nice and Cannes.
Built in 1927, the Victorian-style mansion was built for the British aristocrat and newspaper mogul Sir William Pomeroy.
In 1938 she was bought by King Edward VIII of England, after he abdicated to marry the American Wallis Simpson. She undertook the renovation of the villa, spending huge sums. The Château de la Croë lived great moments during this time, with luxurious receptions and high guests.
In 1950 it was bought by Aristotle Onassis, while in 1957 the ownership of the château passed to Stavros Niarchos.
After a fire that destroyed part of the property in the 1970s, it remained abandoned for years.
Thus, when the mansion was bought by Roman Abramovich in 2001, he had to allocate large sums (over 150 million euros, according to what is said) for its restoration.
As part of the renovation, a 15-meter swimming pool was created on the roof of the building, as well as a gym and a cinema in the basement.
Money Review
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