UPDATE: Deripaska spox denies criminal investigation behind searches in US

(Adds Deripaska’s comment in paragraphs 5–6)

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (PRIME) -- A representative of Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska has denied late on Tuesday media reports that searches of houses belonging to Deripaska’s relatives in the U.S. are connected with a criminal investigation.

The representative confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was conducting searches of houses belonging to Deripaska’s relatives on the basis of two court orders related to U.S. sanctions. “The houses in question are located in New York and Washington, Oleg Deripaska is not their owner,” the person said.

The Washington Post reported that the searches were connected with a criminal investigation.

The representative said, “No, that’s not true. The orders are related to sanctions.”

Deripaska commented on the searches on Thursday in his Telegram channel, saying that they are part of the hoax concerning Russia’s alleged meddling with the U.S. 2016 presidential election.

“The show of absurdity goes on,” Deripaska said.

The FBI office in New York declined to comment on the searches.

In April 2018, the U.S. put Deripaska and companies controlled by him on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN). The assets of those on the list are blocked in the U.S. and business with them is prohibited.

End