Battle of the Russian oligarchs: Wealthy businessman is suing sanctioned Putin ... trends now
A wealthy Russian exile is suing a sanctioned ally of Vladimir Putin in battle over a multi-billion pound chemical business.
Alexander Gorbachev has taken Andrey Guryev to court on London over claims he is owed shares in the fertiliser firm PhosAgro.
Gorbachev, who is not related to former leader of the Soviet Union who shares the same name says he had a handshake agreement with Guryev that he would be given a share in the latter's fertiliser firm which later became PhosAgro.
He claims that after being forced out of Russia and given asylum in the UK, Guryev offered only $30million for his share of the business and when he rejected this, was told he had no right to any share in PhosAgro.
If his claim in the High Court in London is successful, Gorbachev could be given ownership of Witanhurst - the largest private house in London after Buckingham Palace.
Alexander Gorbachev (pictured) is suing his former business partner for a share of a Russian fertiliser firm
He claims that Andrey Guryev (pictured) has reneged on a handshake deal to give him a share of PhosAgro
As part of the court battle between the two ownership of Witanhurst, which is the largest private home in London after Buckingham Palace and is owned by Mr Guryev, could change hands
The £300million home is one of Guryev's few known assets in the UK, and Mr Gorbachev's representatives expect him to try and claim the 25-bedroom Highgate estate if he wins, The Times reports.
The building is said to include an 'underground village' which includes a swmming pool, cinema, gym, staff quarters and car park with room for 25 vehicles which is has been built underneath the giant estate.
Guryev is also believed to own a penthouse in Vauxhall, which is close to the headquarters of MI6.
The feud between the pair and their subsequent High Court battle, which got underway yesterday, has been complicated by Guryev being sanctioned by the British government in relation to the war in Ukraine.
Guryev, who is an ally of autocratic Russian leader Vladimir Putin, will give evidence to Mr Justice Pelling KC in Dubai, with his own solicitors
