Arrest of Oleksandre Bogouslaïev in Monaco Linked to Ukrainian Oligarch's Allegations
Investigation continues into suspected money laundering involving substantial real estate investments.
Oleksandre Bogouslaïev, son of Ukrainian oligarch Viatcheslav Bogouslaïev, was arrested in Monaco at the end of April 2025 on suspicion of laundering hundreds of millions of euros through real estate transactions.
The Attorney General of Monaco reported that Bogouslaïev's detention, which began on April 28, has been lifted without any formal charges or judicial control as the investigation continues.
The allegations against Oleksandre Bogouslaïev are grounded in accusations against his father, who is being held in Ukraine for war crimes and is accused of colluding with Russia.
Viatcheslav Bogouslaïev is the former president and majority shareholder of Motor Sich, a major Ukrainian manufacturer of aircraft engines.
Reports indicate that he had collaborated with Russian forces by supplying them with helicopter engines following the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.
The French and Monaco legal authorities have confirmed Oleksandre's arrest, although they have not publicly disclosed the suspect's identity.
However, a close source indicated he is indeed the son of an individual detained in Ukraine for war-related activities.
As part of the ongoing investigation, approximately 15 properties are being scrutinized for potential money laundering activities.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced in October 2022 the arrest of Viatcheslav Bogouslaïev and another executive from Motor Sich, emphasizing their alleged provision of military support to Russia during the invasion.
In February 2023, Ukrainian authorities notified French counterparts about suspicions of illicit fund laundering related to real estate in France, leading to the establishment of a joint investigation team involving Ukraine, France, and Monaco, with support from Eurojust.
The French public prosecutor's office has indicated that these suspicions concern 14 properties acquired between 2010 and 2023, valued at an estimated 57 million euros.
These assets, located partly on the Côte d'Azur, have been seized by the financial division of the national anti-fraud office (Onaf) in anticipation of their return to Ukraine, given that the sums involved are deemed disproportionate to the officially declared income of the suspect.
Eurojust has noted that profits from Motor Sich have reportedly declined since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Some owners are suspected of illegally selling their majority stakes in the company to representatives of a foreign state, and the real estate purchases are believed to have been used to conceal proceeds from this sale.