Private jet seized at UK airport over links to Jewish Russian oligarch
Owner believed to be Eugene Shvidler, who funded building of Edgware’s Beit Shvidler primary school
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A private jet suspected of being linked to the Russian oligarch who was the main donor for the rebuilding of Edgware Jewish Primary School has been impounded under new powers in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Tuesday that he had tightened the laws to make it illegal for any plane with Russian links to enter UK airspace.
It was later confirmed that a private jet has been detained at Farnborough airport in Hampshire over its links to the billionaire Eugene Shvidler
A close confidant of Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, Shvidler has a net worth of around £2billion and is chairman of Millhouse Capital.
In July 2011 Shvidler was revealed to be the primary donor for the £4.2 million rebuilding project at Edgware Jewish Primary School.
The school said it was acknowledging Shvidler’s generosity by changing its name in 2012 to the Beit Shvidler Primary School.
It was London-based Shvidler’s first community project in the UK.
A parent at the Edgware primary school, who asked not to be named, told Jewish News; ”It’s a wonderful school with fantastic staff and a vibrant community atmosphere.
“Just last week there was a hugely successful collection of humanitarian relief for Ukraine. But the name association is now toxic and a change is inevitable. Parents are concerned and unsettled.“
Shvidler made his fortune during the privatisation of Russian industry after the collapse of the Soviet Union .
A regular at Chelsea football games, he had previously provided backing for Jewish schools in Moscow and New York and is also involved in the Ir David Foundation for the preservation of the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Bombardier Global 6500 jet seized in Farnborough had been due to fly to Dubai.
An inquiry into its ownership was launched on the advice of Suella Braverman, the attorney general, with the assistance of the National Crime Agency, The Times reported.
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