MOSCOW - The Russian Interior Ministry's Federal Service for Economic and Tax Crimes has no complains against Roman Abramovich, Russia’s second richest man and the Governor of Chukotka. This statement was made by Police Lieutenant General Sergey Veryovkin-Rokhalsky, the Deputy Interior Minister, on Thursday during his visit to Khabarovsk in Russia’s Far East. “We have no evidence that Roman Abramovich made his fortune by dishonest means,” he noted.

The head of the Federal Service for Economic and Tax Crimes held a conference for the interior agencies of the Far Eastern Federal District. Measures against economic and tax crimes were discussed at the meeting, which was also attended by the heads of local departments of the Federal Security Service, the State Customs Committee, the Financial Monitoring Committee, the Prosecutor’s Office and the Tax Police.

Meanwhile, the Russian billionaire, who has recently bought Chelsea Football Club, continues to acquire foreign assets. According to The Times, Roman Abramovich is in talks with Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One racing tycoon, to buy the most expensive home in Britain. The deal is estimated at 85m pounds, or about $144m. The house is located in western London. According to the newspaper, this is perhaps the highest price for a private estate, at least in Britain. Quoting a source close to the negotiations, The Times says that Mr. Abramovich showed interest in acquiring the house, and Mr. Ecclestone - in selling it, and, if they agree on the terms, the deal will be signed. The tycoons themselves have not commented on the issue.

Earlier this month, The Times reported that Mr. Abramovich tried to acquire the French ski resort of Courchevel in the Alps. Reportedly, he offered 150m pounds for the resort, three times its market value. According to the newspaper, the owners rejected the offer. Courchevel is a posh ski resort, frequented by the Western elite. Wealthy Russians also like it. According to The Times, Mr. Abramovich already owns a house in London and a castle in Switzerland. Last week, he was reported to have bought a yacht for $120m.