Finland closes pre-trial investigation into Rotenberg family over spa hotel deal
Finland has closed its pre-trial investigation into Roman and Boris Rotenberg, who were suspected of sanctions violations linked to the sale of the Långvik spa hotel in Kirkkonummi. The case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Finland has concluded its pre-trial investigation into 45-year-old Roman Rotenberg, a member of the Rotenberg family, over a deal involving the Långvik spa hotel located in Kirkkonummi. According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, the investigation into his father, 69-year-old Boris Rotenberg, who is considered part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, has also been closed.
Both father and son had been suspects in the case over alleged serious violations of the sanctions regime.
Background of the deal
In 2014, Boris Rotenberg, together with his brother Arkady Rotenberg, sold the company that owned the Långvik spa hotel to his son for one euro. About a month after the deal, Arkady Rotenberg was added to a sanctions list. Boris Rotenberg was placed under sanctions later, after Russia launched its war against Ukraine.
Finland's enforcement authority and Ministry for Foreign Affairs had concluded that, even after the sale, the brothers effectively retained control over the company, raising suspicions of sanctions evasion.
Outcome of the investigation
Police proposed closing the pre-trial investigation due to a lack of evidence. In May last year, a prosecutor made decisions limiting further investigative steps, and the case has now been formally closed.
