Russian oligarch connected to King Charles might never set foot in the intended palace.
A billionaire associate of Vladimir Putin, who has connections to King Charles, might never be able to enter his lavish London mansion due to economic sanctions. Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor holds citizenship in Russia, the UK, and Israel, and is currently residing in Tel Aviv after previously living in London.
He had to step down as the leader of the European Jewish Congress and saw his name removed from a wing of King Edward VII's Hospital in London following the sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kantor's architectural plans for his envisioned palace showcase one of the most opulent private residences constructed in London this century.
King Charles visits the 140th Sandringham Flower Show in 2023
However, despite over £12 million already invested in the building, construction came to a standstill nearly three years ago after the invasion, according to the Times. The mansion was set to feature a cinema, swimming pool, underground garage, and an orangery. Although Kantor has previously been photographed with the King during the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem in 2020, he may never actually visit the palace that was intended for him. The superhome in Hampstead Garden Suburb was designed by William Bertram, who also has connections to the King.
Bertram has previously worked on Highgrove, the residence of Charles in Gloucestershire, and he designed a treehouse for young Princes William and Harry. The project is seen as daring, even in a location known as 'Billionaires' Row.' Kantor, aged 71, is a significant stakeholder in Acron, one of the largest fertilizer companies in Russia, with a fortune estimated by Forbes at £7.8 billion.
The properties on Winnington Road, shown in a 2012 image, are reportedly set for demolition. The downturn in construction highlights the challenges faced by Putin's allies due to financial sanctions. KRF Services (UK) Ltd is overseeing the development, currently burdened with debts exceeding £7.7 million, including £2.2 million owed to Keltbray, the contractor working on the luxury home.
Credit: The Times
Thomas Paillardon, a tax expert from Luxembourg, has requested that the company be placed into administration. Andrew Twigger KC, acting as a deputy High Court judge, granted approval, stating: 'The Kantor family requires someone to take over the services previously provided by the company, such as managing the properties on Winnington Road and the valuable art collection, and this transition is likely to be smoother if the company can facilitate the handover to a new provider.' This comes after news that the Royal Family plans to resume their regular schedules with more overseas tours in 2025, following a particularly tough year.
Who is Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor?
Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor is a Russian billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and prominent figure with connections to international politics and royal circles. He was born on February 8, 1953, in Moscow, Russia. Kantor holds citizenship in Russia, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
He is the majority shareholder and chairman of Acron, one of the largest fertilizer companies in Russia. Kantor's wealth is estimated to be around £7.8 billion according to Forbes. His business interests span various sectors, but he is especially known for his significant involvement in the global fertilizer market.
Kantor has been a notable philanthropist, supporting various causes, particularly in the fields of Jewish culture and education. He was the president of the European Jewish Congress for many years, where he was a vocal advocate for Jewish rights and against anti-Semitism.
However, Kantor's name gained significant international attention in recent years due to his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kantor faced economic sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have significantly impacted his business and personal life.
Kantor was also a notable figure in the UK, where he had connections with the royal family. He was photographed with King Charles during the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem in 2020. Furthermore, Kantor was involved in the design and construction of a lavish mansion in London, situated in the prestigious Hampstead Garden Suburb, which has been impacted by the sanctions.
Apart from his business and political involvement, Kantor has also been active in supporting Jewish causes, including funding educational institutions and cultural programs. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond Russia and include global initiatives aimed at fostering Jewish heritage.
Despite his wealth and influence, Kantor’s position has become increasingly precarious due to the sanctions. His investments and properties, including the unfinished mansion in London, are now part of ongoing financial and legal challenges.
