Despite sanctions, UK accused of swimming in 'dirty Russian money'
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, Monday, to outline the Government's new long-term COVID-19 plan. AP-Yonhap
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson moves to confront Moscow over its Ukraine invasion, he stands accused of leaving the financial back door wide open by ignoring a "sewer" of Russian money coursing through Britain.
Johnson on Wednesday confirmed another delay to an "economic crime" bill, which he says will eventually dismantle the "Matryoshka doll" hiding the ownership of U.K. companies and properties by Russian oligarchs.
"We do need to stop corrupt Russian money in London and every other financial capital," he told parliament, insisting New York, Paris and other centers needed to be part of the sanctions effort.
"No country is doing more than the U.K. to tackle this issue," the prime minister claimed. But despite its new-found freedoms since Brexit, Britain has lagged behind the European Union in targeting named individuals in Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle. (AFP)