Alisher Usmanov#Legal action over criminal conviction and pardon

Usmanov was born in Uzbekistan in the provincial town of Chust. He spent his childhood in the capital Tashkent, where his father was a state prosecutor.{{Cite web|url=http://www.informacia.ru/file/1163|title=Усманов Алишер Бурханович | Компрометирующая информация|website=www.informacia.ru|access-date=22 August 2021|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822032952/http://www.informacia.ru/file/1163|url-status=live}} Planning to pursue a career of a diplomat, he later moved to Moscow. After first failing to be accepted, one year later he made the cut and was accepted to the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, from which he graduated in 1976 with a degree in international law.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0329/billionaires-2010-europe-usmanov-internet-media-hard-man-of-russia.html|title=The Hard Man of Russia|first=Anita|last=Raghavan|website=Forbes|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002064119/http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0329/billionaires-2010-europe-usmanov-internet-media-hard-man-of-russia.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url = http://metalloinvest.com/en/about/guide/founder |title = Alisher Usmanov – founder of Metalloinvest |publisher = metalloinvest.com |access-date = 25 February 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130620040209/http://metalloinvest.com/en/about/guide/founder/ |archive-date = 20 June 2013 |url-status = dead }} Usmanov then returned to Tashkent, where he was appointed director of the Foreign Economic Association of the Soviet Peace Committee.{{cite news|last=Cobain|first=Ian|date=19 November 2007|title=The colourful life of football's latest oligarch|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/19/football.russia|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=10 December 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206135852/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/19/football.russia|url-status=live}}

Usmanov was arrested and convicted on charges of fraud, corruption, and theft of state property, which charges included shaking down an Army officer, in Uzbek SSR in August 1980.{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hSHcAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT35|isbn = 9781317996354|title = Who Owns Football?: Models of Football Governance and Management in International Sport|date = 13 September 2013|publisher = Routledge|access-date = 17 March 2022|archive-date = 20 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220420012102/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Who_Owns_Football/hSHcAAAAQBAJ?gbpv=1&pg=PT35&printsec=frontcover|url-status = live}}{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=-NpoAAAAMAAJ&q=%22usmanov%22+uzbek+convicted+%22fraud%22+%22six+years%22|title = Soviet Analyst|year = 1998|publisher = Soviet Analyst|access-date = 17 March 2022|archive-date = 20 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220420012102/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Soviet_Analyst/-NpoAAAAMAAJ?gbpv=1&bsq=%22usmanov%22+uzbek+convicted+%22fraud%22+%22six+years%22&printsec=frontcover|url-status = live}} He was imprisoned in a remote Uzbek prison for six years of an eight-year sentence.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/technology/a-russian-facebook-bet-pays-off-big.html|title=A Russian Magnate's Facebook Bet Pays Off Big|first=Andrew E.|last=Kramer|newspaper=The New York Times|date=16 May 2012|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317003145/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/technology/a-russian-facebook-bet-pays-off-big.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Goodley |first=Simon |date=18 November 2012 |title=Alisher Usmanov in spotlight over Wikipedia profile |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/nov/18/alisher-usmanov-spotlight-net-profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317003146/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/nov/18/alisher-usmanov-spotlight-net-profile |archive-date=17 March 2022 |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=the Guardian}}{{cite news|url=https://meduza.io/feature/2017/05/19/obvineniya-alishera-usmanova-v-iznasilovanii-otkuda-oni-vzyalis-i-kak-biznesmen-ih-oprovergal|title=Обвинения Алишера Усманова в изнасиловании: откуда они взялись и как бизнесмен их опровергал|website=Meduza.io|access-date=25 May 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701110950/https://meduza.io/feature/2017/05/19/obvineniya-alishera-usmanova-v-iznasilovanii-otkuda-oni-vzyalis-i-kak-biznesmen-ih-oprovergal|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/19/russia.football|title=Usmanov's responses to Guardian questions|last=Cobain|first=Ian|date=19 November 2007|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=18 December 2012|location=London|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901030106/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/19/russia.football|url-status=live}} Three decades later, his conviction was vacated in July 2000, nine years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, by the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan, which ruled that "the original conviction was unjust, no crime was ever committed, and that the evidence was fabricated."{{cite news | url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/37720a28-2f1b-11e2-b88b-00144feabdc0.html | title = Alisher Usmanov: Uzbek eyes a prize listing | last1 = Weaver | first1 = Courtney | last2 = Clover | first2 = Charles | newspaper = Financial Times | date = 16 November 2012 | access-date = 25 February 2013 | archive-date = 17 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117051452/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/37720a28-2f1b-11e2-b88b-00144feabdc0.html | url-status = live }}{{cite web |url=http://atimes.com/atimes/Archive/1_15_2011.html |title=Alisher Usmanov – An Apology |publisher=Asia Times Online |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001600/http://atimes.com/atimes/Archive/1_15_2011.html |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=unfit }} His version of events has been questioned by Craig Murray, the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2004.{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hSHcAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT35|isbn = 9781317996354|title = Who Owns Football?: Models of Football Governance and Management in International Sport|date = 13 September 2013|publisher = Routledge|access-date = 17 March 2022|archive-date = 20 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220420012103/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Who_Owns_Football/hSHcAAAAQBAJ?gbpv=1&pg=PT35&printsec=frontcover|url-status = live}} Years later, Usmanov's public relations firm tried to delete reference to his conviction and imprisonment from Wikipedia.

Usmanov, of Muslim heritage, married Jewish rhythmic gymnastics coach Irina Viner in 1992.{{cite web |url=http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2013/02/01/alisher-usmanov-and-irina-viner-a-story-about-the-muslim-oligarch-and-his-jewish-wife/ |title=Alisher Usmanov and Irina Viner : The story of the Muslim Billionaire and his Jewish wife |publisher=Jewish Business News |date=1 February 2013 |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=23 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223032206/http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2013/02/01/alisher-usmanov-and-irina-viner-a-story-about-the-muslim-oligarch-and-his-jewish-wife/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=The Hard Man of Russia|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0329/billionaires-2010-europe-usmanov-internet-media-hard-man-of-russia.html|work=Forbes|access-date=13 October 2013|first=Anita|last=Raghavan|date=12 March 2010|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002064119/http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0329/billionaires-2010-europe-usmanov-internet-media-hard-man-of-russia.html|url-status=live}} Viner is considered to be close to Putin, having introduced him to former rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva.{{Cite web|url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkluethwc|title=These are the Russian oligarchs circling Putin|date=14 March 2022|website=ctech|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316182521/https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkluethwc|url-status=live}}

On May 4, 2022, Usmanov filed for divorce from Viner.

Usmanov became a dollar millionaire in the years before the Soviet Union collapsed. He set up a privately owned for-profit company, cooperative Agroplast which produced plastic bags.{{Cite web|date=11 May 2020|title=LONG READ: Alisher Usmanov, the path of a game-changer|url=https://www.intellinews.com/long-read-alisher-usmanov-the-path-of-a-game-changer-181968/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=www.intellinews.com|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://www.intellinews.com/long-read-alisher-usmanov-the-path-of-a-game-changer-181968/|url-status=live}} He enriched himself considerably after the collapse of the USSR, but always stressed that he never participated in the privatization of state property.

Usmanov worked as the Deputy General Director of Intercross JSC from 1990 to 1994, and from 1994 to 1998, he headed Interfin Interbank Investment and Finance Company. He also acted as an Adviser to the General Director of Moscow Aviation Industrial Enterprise from 1994 to 1995, and served as the First Deputy Chairman of MAPO-Bank from 1995 to 1997.{{cite web|title=USM Holdings – Company – Alisher Usmanov|url=http://www.usm-group.com/company_alisher-usmanov.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019092042/http://www.usm-group.com/company_alisher-usmanov.html|archive-date=19 October 2013|access-date=17 December 2013|publisher=Usm-group.com}}

By the end of the 90s, Usmanov was the General Director of Gazprom Invest Holdings, the investment-holding subsidiary of Russia's state-owned gas company Gazprom,{{cite news|date=31 August 2007|title=Hard man of Russia who made his pile through steel|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/08/31/hard_man_of_russia_who_made_hi.html|url-status=live|access-date=23 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903022334/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/08/31/hard_man_of_russia_who_made_hi.html|archive-date=3 September 2007}} and managed it for more than a decade;{{cite web|author=Spencer Woodman|date=5 November 2017|title=Kremlin-Owned Firms Linked To Major Investments in Twitter And Facebook|url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/kremlin-owned-firms-linked-major-twitter-facebook-investments-icij/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106011238/https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/kremlin-owned-firms-linked-major-twitter-facebook-investments-icij/|archive-date=6 November 2017|access-date=19 November 2017|publisher=ICIJ}} Usmanov left the company in 2014.{{cite web|title=Usmanov leaves position as Gazprom Investholding CEO|url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=544107|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725214342/http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=544107|archive-date=25 July 2018|access-date=25 July 2018|publisher=Interfax}}

Usmanov has a 49% share in USM, a global conglomerate with its main investments in metals and mining industry, telecommunications and technology.{{cite web|url=http://www.usm-group.com/company.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708190303/http://www.usm-group.com/company.html |archive-date=8 July 2013 |url-status=dead |title=USM Holdings — Company — About us |access-date=21 March 2016 }} Through USM and as an individual investor, Usmanov owned diverse interests including stakes in iron ore and steel, media, and internet companies.

He is the co-owner of Metalloinvest, which he founded with business partner Vasiliy Anisimov, in order to manage his acquisitions in the metal industry.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/2O5M.html|title=The world's richest people 2006 Vasiliy Anisimov|website=Forbes.com|access-date=29 September 2007|archive-date=17 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917054417/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/2O5M.html|url-status=live}} Unlike Russia's tycoons who won control of empires through loans-for-share privatization schemes of the 1990s, Usmanov built up Metalloinvest through a series of acquisitions in the secondary market.{{Cite news|date=17 May 2012|title=Facebook bet pays off for Russia's Usmanov|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-usmanov-idUSBRE84G1BM20120517|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-usmanov-idUSBRE84G1BM20120517|url-status=live}} Metalloinvest owns a wide range of Russian metal and mining businesses including Lebedinsky GOK and Mikhailovsky GOK; Oskol Elektrometallurgical Plant and Ural Steel steel mills and a ferrous scrap enterprise – Ural Scrap Company. In March 2022, Metalloinvest sold the Ural Steel to Zagorsk Pipe Plant.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-03 |title=Metalloinvest sells Ural Steel to Zagorsk Pipe Plant |url=https://miningdigital.com/supply-chain-and-operations/metalloinvest-to-sell-ural-steel-to-zagorsk-pipe |access-date=2025-03-07 |language=en}}

Since 2006, he has acquired stakes in Australia-based mining companies, Medusa, Mt Gibson and Aztec Resources through Gallagher Holdings,{{cite web|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?ContentID=32710|title=Russian steel baron snaps up Medusa stake|website=The West.com.au|date=28 June 2007|access-date=26 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024081908/http://thewest.com.au/default.aspx?ContentID=32710|archive-date=24 October 2007|url-status=dead}} now USM Holdings.{{cite web|url=http://metalminingwire.com/news/usmanov-and-partners-join-assets-in-usm-holdings/3877/ |title=Usmanov and Partners join assets in USM Holdings |access-date=12 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112135240/http://metalminingwire.com/news/usmanov-and-partners-join-assets-in-usm-holdings/3877/ |archive-date=12 January 2014 }} Usmanov and partners join assets in USM Holdings, metalminingwire.com. In 2009, Metalloinvest Holding sold its 10.37% stake in Australian gold producer Medusa Mining.{{cite web|url=http://metalloinvest.com/upload/iblock/9e4/9e4e2a7d831538840a343bb35377c649.pdf |title=Metalloinvest |access-date=8 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213101044/http://metalloinvest.com/upload/iblock/9e4/9e4e2a7d831538840a343bb35377c649.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2013 }} metalloinvest.com. Usmanov is the second largest shareholder, after Dr Mohammed Al Bawani (MB Holding), in Toronto-listed (TSX) Nautilus Minerals (NUSMF), which planned to extract undersea gold and copper deposits off Papua New Guinea in 2019. He has also purchased, through Gallagher Holdings, an interest in Australian mining company Strike Resources, which is working on an iron ore deposit in Peru.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24087890-5005200,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806121612/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C25197%2C24087890-5005200%2C00.html |archive-date=6 August 2008 |title=Strike Resources places $103m shares with Gallagher Holdings |work=The Australian |date=28 July 2008 |author=Behrmann, Elisabeth |url-status=dead }}

In November 2015, USM invested US$100 million in competitive video game esports team Virtus Pro.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/virtus-pro-100m-usm-holdings/|title=Virtus.Pro receives investment that could hit $100 million|first=Samuel|last=Lingle|website=The Daily Dot|date=15 October 2015|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208095515/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/virtus-pro-100m-usm-holdings/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}}

In 2021, USM and Metalloinvest announced plans to construct one of the world's largest HBI eco-plants in Russia's Kursk region to supply greener products used to make steel amid a growing focus to clean up the industry.{{Cite news|date=28 February 2021|title=Tycoon Usmanov's Firms to Build Plant for Greener Iron Products|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-28/tycoon-usmanov-s-firms-to-build-plant-for-greener-iron-products|url-status=live|access-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301105252/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-28/tycoon-usmanov-s-firms-to-build-plant-for-greener-iron-products|archive-date=1 March 2021}}

In 2008, Metalloinvest bought the Udokan licence for $500mn, which was discovered in Soviet times and proved to be one of the world's largest copper deposit. Geologists estimate there are 26.7mn tonnes of copper ore under the JORC classification.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-25 |title=bne IntelliNews — Udokan: Alisher Usmanov's Siberian copper valley |url=https://www.intellinews.com/udokan-alisher-usmanov-s-siberian-copper-valley-186510/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525154355/https://www.intellinews.com/udokan-alisher-usmanov-s-siberian-copper-valley-186510/ |archive-date=25 May 2022 }}

In 2020, Baikal Mining Company (rebranded to Udokan copper) began strip mining at the Udokan mine, which had been untouched since 1949 due to the site's remoteness and extreme weather conditions.{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Operations begin at Udokan, Russia's largest copper deposit|url=http://www.intellinews.com/operations-begin-at-udokan-russia-s-largest-copper-deposit-189306/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329061423/https://www.intellinews.com/operations-begin-at-udokan-russia-s-largest-copper-deposit-189306/|archive-date=29 March 2021|access-date=4 March 2021|website=www.intellinews.com|language=en}} The development of Udokan includes the construction of the first stage of a mining and metallurgical plant for the production of cathode copper and copper concentrate, as well as the production of up to 125,000 tpy of copper in addition to 12mn tonnes of ore.{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Operations begin at Udokan, Russia's largest copper deposit|url=https://www.intellinews.com/operations-begin-at-udokan-russia-s-largest-copper-deposit-189306/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=www.intellinews.com|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215756/https://www.intellinews.com/operations-begin-at-udokan-russia-s-largest-copper-deposit-189306/|url-status=live}}

In 2008, Usmanov became acquainted with Yuri Milner, and soon became a shareholder of DST and VK (Mail.ru Group).{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Parmy|title=A Q&A With Internet Guru Yuri Milner: Moving On From Russia And The Future Of E-Commerce|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2017/09/28/yuri-milner-russia-dst-facebook-e-commerce/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2017/09/28/yuri-milner-russia-dst-facebook-e-commerce/|url-status=live}}

Usmanov had 25.3% of interest in VK, and 60.6% of voting interest until he sold a $530 million stake and reduced his interests to 17.9 and 58.1% in 2013.{{Cite news|date=28 February 2013|title=Russia's Usmanov sells $530 million Mail.Ru stake|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mailru-usmanov-idUSBRE91R0X620130228|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215757/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mailru-usmanov-idUSBRE91R0X620130228|url-status=live}}

In 2013 Usmanov through VK acquired Pavel Durov's shares in Vk.ru, to help Durov retain control under the Telegram app when UCP claimed on Telegram.{{Cite web|last=Rapoza|first=Kenneth|title=Could Messaging App Telegram Be The Next Best SPAC?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2021/03/02/could-messaging-app-telegram-be-the-next-best-spac/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2021/03/02/could-messaging-app-telegram-be-the-next-best-spac/|url-status=live}}

On 2 December 2021, Usmanov's holding shares were sold to Russian insurance company Sogaz. Usmanov said that VK involvement has largely determined the development of USM.{{Cite web|last=Presse|first=AFP-Agence France|title=Russia's VKontakte Comes Under Control Of Energy Giant Gazprom|url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/russia-s-vkontake-comes-under-control-of-energy-giant-gazprom-01638458406|access-date=4 December 2021|website=www.barrons.com|language=en-US|archive-date=20 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420012108/https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-s-vkontake-comes-under-control-of-energy-giant-gazprom-01638458406?tesla=y|url-status=live}}

Through USM Usmanov holds 49% of Russia's second-largest mobile telephone operator, MegaFon.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/03/02/everton-usmanov-chelsea-abramovich-oligarch-russia-ukraine-war|title=The Russian Invasion's Premier League Fallout|first=Jonathan|last=Wilson|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316200917/https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/03/02/everton-usmanov-chelsea-abramovich-oligarch-russia-ukraine-war|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2023-07-18 |title=Bloomberg Billionaires Index |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/ |access-date=2023-07-18}}

In 2009, Facebook's founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg turned to Russian investors at a meeting brokered by Goldman Sachs. Usmanov made his first investment to Facebook in 2009 by Mail.ru, investing $200 million for a 1.96% stake that valued Facebook at $10 billion. He accepted Zuckerberg's conditions and gave up the voting rights on those shares to him.{{Cite web|last=Kramer|first=Andrew E.|date=16 May 2012|title=A Russian Magnate's Facebook Bet Pays Off Big|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2012/05/16/a-russian-magnates-facebook-bet-pays-off-big.html|access-date=27 November 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127221255/https://www.cnbc.com/2012/05/16/a-russian-magnates-facebook-bet-pays-off-big.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Parmy|title=Meet The Russians Who Hooked Up Facebook And Goldman Sachs|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2011/01/04/meet-the-russians-who-hooked-up-facebook-and-goldman-sachs/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215753/https://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2011/01/04/meet-the-russians-who-hooked-up-facebook-and-goldman-sachs/|url-status=live}} Facebook's IPO in 2012 valued it several times greater and in selling his stake Usmanov won at least $1,4 billion on it.{{Cite news |date=2013-09-05 |title=Usmanov's Mail.ru Exits Facebook to Benefit From Stock Surge — Bloomberg |language=en |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-05/mail-ru-sells-rest-of-facebook-stake-for-more-than-525-million |access-date=2023-07-18}}{{Cite news|last=Dembosky|first=April|date=5 September 2013|title=Usmanov's Mail.ru cashes in on Facebook recovery|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/73fa612c-164f-11e3-856f-00144feabdc0|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215751/https://www.ft.com/content/73fa612c-164f-11e3-856f-00144feabdc0|url-status=live}}

In 2011, the DST made an $800m investment in Twitter.{{Cite web|date=2 August 2011|title=Twitter deal values company at 8bn dollars|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/twitter-deal-values-company-at-8bn-dollars|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Channel 4 News|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215753/https://www.channel4.com/news/twitter-deal-values-company-at-8bn-dollars|url-status=live}}

Through Mail.Ru Group Usmanov made notable investments in other international technology companies, including Groupon, Zynga, Airbnb, ZocDoc, Alibaba and 360buy.{{Cite web|last=Kramer|first=Mark Scott and Andrew E.|date=5 September 2013|title=Russian Tech Giant Cashes In on Facebook's Recovery|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/09/05/russian-tech-giant-sells-facebook-shares-for-525-million/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=DealBook|language=en|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307155128/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/09/05/russian-tech-giant-sells-facebook-shares-for-525-million/|url-status=live}}

In 2013, he was said to have invested $100 million in Apple.{{Cite news|title=Billionaire Usmanov bets on Apple's growth after Facebook|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-30/billionaire-usmanov-bets-on-apple-s-growth-after-facebook|access-date=27 November 2021|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=30 April 2013 |archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307155416/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-30/billionaire-usmanov-bets-on-apple-s-growth-after-facebook|url-status=live}} He subsequently disposed of his shares in early 2014.{{Cite web|title=Russian billionaire Usmanov sells his shares in Apple, Facebook|url=https://akipress.com/news:537578:Russian_billionaire_Usmanov_sells_his_shares_in_Apple,_Facebook/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=akipress.com|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422012524/https://akipress.com/news:537578:Russian_billionaire_Usmanov_sells_his_shares_in_Apple,_Facebook/|url-status=live}}

The Alibaba investment was said by Usmanov to be up 500% in late 2014. The Facebook investment Usmanov implied he had sold, saying "I admire Facebook, but I said 'arrivederci' Facebook". At the same time, he said he had made an investment in "Chinese low-cost smartphone maker Xiaomi", saying it is a "future technology giant", and that he is looking to invest in India, particularly the online trade sector.Cutmore, Geoff, and Antonia Matthews, [https://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/24/investment-up-over-500-russian-billionaire.html "My Alibaba investment up over 500%: Russian billionaire"], CNBC.com, 24 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2014.

In September 2018, it was reported that Mail.ru would enter into a $2 billion joint venture with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/11/alibaba-russia-mail-ru/|title=Alibaba goes big on Russia with joint venture focused on gaming, shopping and more|work=TechCrunch|access-date=14 October 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014130146/https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/11/alibaba-russia-mail-ru/|url-status=live}} The agreement would merge the online marketplaces of both companies in the Russian market and was backed by the Kremlin via the Russian Direct Investment Fund.{{Cite web|date=11 September 2018|title=Alibaba Sets Up $2 Billion Russia Venture With Kremlin Help|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-11/alibaba-teams-up-with-kremlin-fund-mail-ru-for-russia-expansion|access-date=14 October 2018|website=Bloomberg.com|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924044652/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-11/alibaba-teams-up-with-kremlin-fund-mail-ru-for-russia-expansion|url-status=live}}

In August 2006, Usmanov began to invest in media. He bought {{lang|ru-latn|Kommersant}}, a newspaper formerly owned by Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, for US$200 million. Usmanov also made a $25 million purchase of a 50% stake in Russian sports TV channel 7TV in November 2006 and bought 75% of Russian TV music channel Muz-TV for $300 million in June 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.kommersant.com/p777507/Muz_TV_Usmanov_Media/|title=Metals Mogul Buys Music TV Channel|website=Kommersant.com|date=25 June 2007|access-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184235/http://www.kommersant.com/p777507/Muz_TV_Usmanov_Media/|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}} Usmanov was a co-owner of the media holding company UTH, which holds 51% of Disney Russia and 100% of Muz TV and U television channels.{{cite web|url=http://www.usm-group.com/media.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709005151/http://www.usm-group.com/media.html |archive-date=9 July 2013 |url-status=dead |title=USM Holdings — Media |access-date=21 March 2016 }} He sold his TV assets to his business-partner Ivan Tavrin in 2017.{{Cite news|title=Алишер Усманов продаст телевизионный бизнес|url=https://www.vedomosti.ru/technology/articles/2017/12/13/745133-usmanov-telebiznesa|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Ведомости|date=13 December 2017 |language=ru|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215758/https://www.vedomosti.ru/technology/articles/2017/12/13/745133-usmanov-telebiznesa|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Usmanov announced plans to retire once he reached the “age of the prophet” (63 years old). In 2014, his retirement was implemented as he stepped down from active management positions, as well as shifted focus to philanthropic activities, including promoting the development of Uzbekistan, and sports. In 2023, he also resigned from the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.{{Cite web |last=uz |first=Kun |title=Alisher Usmanov submits his resignation from RUIE management |url=https://kun.uz/en/news/2023/01/24/alisher-usmanov-submits-his-resignation-from-ruie-management |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=Kun.uz |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2014-10-16 |title=Алишер Усманов досрочно ушел с должности гендиректора "Газпром инвестхолдинга" |url=https://www.vedomosti.ru/business/articles/2014/10/16/alisher-usmanov-osvobozhden-ot-dolzhnosti |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=Ведомости |language=ru}}

In 2020, Usmanov said in an interview with the Financial Times that he will leave his assets to his family and USM management: "Many people have helped me. So I want to help my family and my management by giving them my shares. Fifty per cent to family, fifty per cent to management, who deserve this, in my view".{{Cite news |last=Foy |first=Henry |date=3 January 2020 |title=Alisher Usmanov: 'I was never what you could call an oligarch' |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a472f9e6-28c6-11ea-9305-4234e74b0ef3 |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215753/https://www.ft.com/content/a472f9e6-28c6-11ea-9305-4234e74b0ef3 |archive-date=27 November 2021}}

Usmanov was a shareholder of the English football team Arsenal from 2007 to 2018. He moved into the football arena in August 2007 by acquiring a 14.58% stake in Arsenal. He and his business partner Farhad Moshiri bought the stake in the club owned by former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein for £75 million.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6971124.stm | work=BBC News | title=Russian buys Dein's Arsenal stake | date=30 August 2007 | access-date=30 August 2007 | archive-date=12 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112215140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6971124.stm | url-status=live }} Dein was appointed head of their investment vehicle, Red and White Holdings, which became the largest shareholder in the club outside of members of the board of directors.

On 28 September 2007, Red and White Holdings increased its shareholding to 23%, making it the second-largest shareholder in the club behind Arsenal non-executive director Danny Fiszman.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7000989.stm|title=Usmanov ups the ante at Arsenal|work=BBC|date=18 September 2007|access-date=31 July 2017|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801005508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7000989.stm|url-status=live}} On 15 February 2008, he increased it to over 24%, just short of Fiszman's 24.11%.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/02/15/ufnusmanov115.xml | work=Telegraph | title=Alisher Usmanov increases Arsenal stake | date=15 February 2008 | location=London | access-date=23 April 2010 | archive-date=20 June 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620182607/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2008%2F02%2F15%2Fufnusmanov115.xml | url-status=dead }} He increased it to 25% on 16 February 2009.{{cite news | url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2259392,00.html | work=The Guardian | title=Arsenal warn Usmanov to beware of derailing the club's title bid | date=23 February 2008 | location=London | first=Sachin | last=Nakrani | access-date=23 April 2010 | archive-date=1 April 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401090316/http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2259392,00.html | url-status=live }} Red and White Holdings confirmed that it was the club's largest shareholder, and the company said it "has the necessary funding to increase its stake further [but] it has no current intention to make a full takeover bid for Arsenal for six months."{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7268970.stm | work=BBC | title=Usmanov 'no plans on Arsenal bid' | date=28 February 2008 | access-date=29 February 2008 | archive-date=19 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219214746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7268970.stm | url-status=live }} If the stake were to reach 30%, Red and White Holdings would have to launch a formal takeover.

Usmanov's interest precipitated a "lock-down" agreement by the Gunners' board, whereby chairman Peter Hill-Wood announced that club directors could sell their stakes only to "permitted persons" before April 2009, and had to give fellow board members "first option" on shares until October 2012.{{cite news | url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=475647&cc=3436 | work=ESPN Soccernet | title=Kroenke content with Gunners 'partnership' | date=1 September 2007 | access-date=25 October 2007 | archive-date=13 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213030917/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=475647&cc=3436 | url-status=dead }} "The lockdown ... makes us bullet-proof," said then Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7268970.stm Usmanov 'no plans on Arsenal bid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219214746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7268970.stm |date=19 February 2009 }}. BBC News (28 February 2008).

American businessman Stan Kroenke, already a major Arsenal shareholder, increased his stake in the club to just over 62% in April 2011 after buying out Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13040475.stm | work=BBC News | title=US businessman Stan Kroenke agrees bid to buy Arsenal | date=11 April 2011 | access-date=13 April 2011 | archive-date=22 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422012527/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13040475 | url-status=live }} making him the majority shareholder. As Kroenke's stake had risen above 30%, he was obliged to make an offer to buy out the remainder of Arsenal shares. Usmanov refused to sell, however, and maintained his stake.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13066641.stm |work=BBC News |title='Fan' Alisher Usmanov vows not to sell stake in Arsenal |date=13 April 2011 |access-date=13 April 2011 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422012601/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13066641 |url-status=live }}

Usmanov increased his Arsenal share beyond 29% in June 2011.{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13853577.stm | work = BBC News | title = Alisher Usmanov increases Arsenal stake beyond 29% | date = 21 June 2011 | access-date = 21 June 2011 | archive-date = 21 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110621114815/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13853577.stm | url-status = live }} He then purchased shares held by Scottish football club Rangers in February 2012.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/24/rangers-ally-mccoist-shares-arsenal | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Ewan | last=Murray | title=Rangers' Ally McCoist angry that historic shares in Arsenal were sold | date=24 February 2012 | access-date=10 December 2016 | archive-date=4 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170038/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/24/rangers-ally-mccoist-shares-arsenal | url-status=live }} As of October 2013, he owned over 30% of the club.{{cite web|title=Red & White Share Position in Arsenal Holdings PLC – London Stock Exchange |url=http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail.html?announcementId=11745589 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140923130723/http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail.html?announcementId=11745589 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2014 |website=www.londonstockexchange.com |access-date=23 September 2014 }} Usmanov criticized Arsenal's lack of ambition and financial model in an open letter sent to the board on 5 July 2012.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18725835 | work=BBC News | title=Alisher Usmanov's letter to the Arsenal board | date=5 July 2012 | access-date=7 July 2012 | quote=You can try and put a good face on a bad game for as long as you want, pontificating about the merits of this model, but it will not hide the obvious fact that it just does not allow our great manager to fully realise his managerial talent and deliver success for the fans who are paying the highest prices in the land ... Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player at the club because we cannot assure him of the future direction and give confidence that we can win trophies. | archive-date=8 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708003303/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18725835 | url-status=live }} He asserted that he had no intention of selling his shares.

On 7 August 2018, however, Usmanov accepted a bid of £550m for his shares at Arsenal.{{cite news|title=Usmanov launches new attack on Arsenal board|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/06/3290961/usmanov-launches-new-attack-on-arsenal-board|publisher=Goal.com|date=6 August 2012|access-date=23 August 2012|archive-date=9 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809034525/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/06/3290961/usmanov-launches-new-attack-on-arsenal-board|url-status=live}} He sold his shares in 2018 to Kroenke.{{Cite web|url=https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/alisher-usmanov-arsenal-everton-kroenke-23249733|title=Alisher Usmanov believes Arsenal can be the greatest team in the world|first=Lee|last=Wilmot|date=1 March 2022|website=Football.London|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=22 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322035657/https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/alisher-usmanov-arsenal-everton-kroenke-23249733|url-status=live}}

In January 2017, Usmanov's holding company, USM, entered a five-year, $15 million+ deal with Everton F.C. for the naming rights of the club's training ground, Finch Farm. Usmanov's accountant and partner in USM holdings is Farhad Moshiri,{{cite news |last1=Goodley |first1=Simon |title=Everton owner received £400m from Alisher Usmanov companies, documents suggest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/sep/26/everton-fc-owner-alisher-usmanov-farhad-moshiri |website=The Guardian |date=26 September 2023 |access-date=30 May 2024}} the current majority shareholder of Everton, and former co-owner of Usmanov's Arsenal shares, Red and White holdings.{{cite web|title=Everton announce Finch Farm deal|url=http://toffeeweb.com/season/16-17/news/34219.html|website=Toffeeweb|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308222420/http://toffeeweb.com/season/16-17/news/34219.html|url-status=live}} In 2019 Megafon became the sleeve sponsor for the men's training wear of Everton and its official matchday presenting partner. In 2020 MegaFon expanded their commercial agreement with Everton to become the main sponsor of the women's team.{{Cite web|last=Kirkbride|first=Phil|date=28 October 2020|title=MegaFon expand Everton partnership to strengthen Usmanov ties|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-megafon-usmanov-usm-breaking-19179955|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Liverpool Echo|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215802/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-megafon-usmanov-usm-breaking-19179955|url-status=live}} Companies with Usmanov’s interest continued to provide funding for the club despite the fact that he was barred from entering the UK in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Goodley |first1=Simon |title=Oligarch funded Everton football club while barred from UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/03/oligarch-funded-everton-football-club-while-barred-from-uk-alisher-usmanov |website=The Guardian |date=3 May 2023 |access-date=30 May 2024}}

In March 2022, Everton suspended its sponsorship ties with USM and MegaFon in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3510786/2022/03/02/everton-suspend-sponsorships-with-russia-linked-companies-usm-megafon-and-yota/|title=Everton suspend sponsorships with Russia-linked companies USM, Megafon and Yota|first=Greg O'Keeffe and Jacob|last=Whitehead|website=The Athletic|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316025941/https://theathletic.com/news/everton-suspend-sponsorships-with-russia-linked-companies-usm-megafon-and-yota/lSsY1eJjwmYF/|url-status=live}}

File:Vladimir Putin at award ceremonies (2018-11-27) 15.jpg.]]

A former sabre fencer for the former Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Usmanov supported the promotion of fencing through his charity fund "For the Future of Fencing", created in 2004.

He was president of the Russian Fencing Federation from 2001 to 2009. He was concurrently president of the European Fencing Confederation from 2005 to 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.fie.org/en/centennial/hall-of-fame/usmanov-alisher-burkhanovich-rus-105-2796?idPage=5 |title=Hall of Fame: Usmanov, Alisher Burkhanovich |work=FIE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232726/http://www.fie.org/en/centennial/hall-of-fame/usmanov-alisher-burkhanovich-rus-105-2796?idPage=5 |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}

He was elected president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) in 2008 with 66 votes to 61 for incumbent president René Roch. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-08/billionaire-usmanov-re-elected-head-of-world-fencing-federation.html|title=Billionaire Usmanov Re-Elected Head of World Fencing Federation|author=Yuliya Fedorinova|work=Bloomberg|date=8 December 2012|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202184752/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-08/billionaire-usmanov-re-elected-head-of-world-fencing-federation.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=29 November 2016|title=Alisher Usmanov re-elected by FIE|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/movers-and-shakers/alisher_usmanov_re_elected_by_fie/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=SportsPro|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215753/https://www.sportspromedia.com/movers-and-shakers/alisher_usmanov_re_elected_by_fie/|url-status=live}} In 2021, Usmanov was re-elected by acclamation to a fourth term, for which he was congratulated by Vladimir Putin and Thomas Bach.{{Cite web|title=INTERNATIONAL FENCING FEDERATION — The International Fencing Federation official website|url=http://fie.org/articles/1139|access-date=27 November 2021|website=INTERNATIONAL FENCING FEDERATION — The International Fencing Federation official website|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127184952/https://fie.org/articles/1139|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/sport/1367311 |title=Putin congratulates Usmanov on reelection as president of International Fencing Federation — Sport — TASS |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420012110/https://tass.com/sport/1367311 |url-status=live }}

In that position Usmanov implemented a number of initiatives, including the expansion of the Olympic fencing programme to 12 disciplines.{{Cite web|date=9 June 2017|title=TWELVE FENCING MEDALS AT TOKYO 2020|url=https://www.britishfencing.com/twelve-fencing-medals-at-tokyo-2020/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=BRITISH FENCING|language=en-US|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://www.britishfencing.com/twelve-fencing-medals-at-tokyo-2020/|url-status=live}}

Following the imposition of the sanctions on Usmanov, he announced on 1 March 2022, that he was stepping down as FIE President. He didn't resign but suspended himself, with Emmanuel Katsiadakis replacing him temporarily as "Interim President".{{Cite web |title=Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing's governing body| url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanov-elected-president-fencings-governing-116341281|date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=ABC News|quote=Usmanov said in March 2022 he would step aside from his duties as FIE president “until justice is restored” after he was placed under sanctions by the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greek official Emmanuel Katsiadakis served as interim president since then.}} On 30 November 2024, Usmanov was re-elected for a new term as President{{Cite web |title=Russia's Alisher Usmanov elected president of International Fencing Federation |url=https://tass.com/sports/1880139 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=TASS}} and he suspended himself from the role again. Emmanuel Katsiadakis was appointed again Interim President.{{Cite web |title=Urgent Letter n. 06-24 Fencing Federation |url=https://static.fie.org/uploads/35/175628-lettre%20urgente%206-24%203l.pdf

|date=2024-12-04 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=FIE}}

In February 2008, Metalloinvest became sponsor of Dinamo Moscow, a football team in Russia's capital.{{cite news|author=James Appell|date=14 August 2008|title=Kiev make mincemeat of Spartak|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=562743&cc=5901|url-status=dead|access-date=22 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024013733/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=562743&cc=5901|archive-date=24 October 2012}}{{cite news|author1=Franklin Mossop|author2=Lawrence Booth|author3=Matthew Cunningham|date=8 May 2003|title=Men behaving badly|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/08/theknowledge.sport|url-status=live|access-date=22 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030182557/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/08/theknowledge.sport|archive-date=30 October 2013}} His Metalloinvest group's name replaced the Xerox Corporation's on its players' shirts as part of the $7 million deal.{{cite web|title=Usmanov to Sponsor Dynamo|url=http://old.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2008/2/article/usmanov-to-sponsor-dynamo/356090.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731235349/http://old.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2008/2/article/usmanov-to-sponsor-dynamo/356090.html|archive-date=31 July 2017|access-date=31 July 2017|website=The Moscow Times.com}}

Usmanov was a member of the Councils of the 2014 Sochi XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Olympian Sportsmen Support Fund. In 2015 it was announced that USM invested the equivalent of US$100 million in the Eastern European eSports team Virtus.pro.{{cite web|url=http://www.redbull.com/en/esports/stories/1331754099932/what-can-100-million-buy-an-esports-team|title=What can $100 million buy an eSports team?|author=Ben Sillis|publisher=redbull.com|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=4 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504054058/http://www.redbull.com/en/esports/stories/1331754099932/what-can-100-million-buy-an-esports-team|url-status=live}}

On 2 September 2007, Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan referred to Usmanov's criminal conviction, claiming that Usmanov "was in no sense a political prisoner, but a gangster and racketeer who rightly did six years in jail" and his pardon was the work of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov on the instructions of Uzbekistani power broker and alleged drug trafficker Gafur Rakhimov.[http://archive.muslimuzbekistan.com/eng/ennews/2003/02/ennews20022003.html Renaissance of "Power Broker" of Uzbek Policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204165852/http://archive.muslimuzbekistan.com/eng/ennews/2003/02/ennews20022003.html |date=4 February 2017 }}, Muslim Uzbekistan, 20 February 2003, retrieved 26 September 2007.{{cite news |last=Khaknazarov |first= Usman |url=http://archive.muslimuzbekistan.com/eng/ennews/2003/02/ennews20022003.html |title=Renascence of "Power Broker" of Uzbek Policy: Or how Uzbek president Islam Karimov is reverting to the hands of his first master |work=muslimuzbekistan.com |date=20 February 2003 |access-date=21 December 2020 |archive-date=26 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526015116/http://archive.muslimuzbekistan.com/eng/ennews/2003/02/ennews20022003.html}} In the face of libel threats from Usmanov's lawyers Schillings, some media had to apologize for publishing them. Murray persists in the allegation.{{Cite web|author=Roger Pearson|date=|title=Mail on Sunday apologises to Russian billionaire over links to "rape and murder" allegations|url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/mail-on-sunday-apologises-to-russian-billionaire-over-links-to-rape-and-murder-allegations-40589/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Press Gazette|language=en-US|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215755/https://pressgazette.co.uk/mail-on-sunday-apologises-to-russian-billionaire-over-links-to-rape-and-murder-allegations-40589/|url-status=live}} The article was subsequently removed by Murray's web host, allegedly under pressure from Usmanov's legal team, London's Schillings law firm.{{cite web | url=http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/09/380565.html | title=Craig Murray censored for attacking Alisher Usmanov, potential Arsenal chairman | work=UK Indymedia | access-date=18 September 2007 | archive-date=19 July 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719034143/http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/09/380565.html | url-status=live }} However, what followed was that Schillings contacted owners of independent blogs and websites warning them to remove any references to Murray's allegations, and any reproduction of Murray's blog post.{{cite news | url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2167952,00.html | title=Usmanov aims legal arsenal at bloggers | work=The Guardian | date=13 September 2007 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Kelso | access-date=23 April 2010 | archive-date=16 May 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516180638/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2167952,00.html | url-status=live }} UK Indymedia reported that they were one of the sites that had been issued with a take-down notice, on 10 September 2007 and again on 21 September.{{cite web | url=https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/382951.html | title=Indymedia UK Facing Legal Censorship... again! | work=IMC-UK | date=6 October 2007 | access-date=6 October 2007 | archive-date=4 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904234538/http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/382951.html | url-status=live }} On 20 September 2007, Bloggerheads.com, the weblog of Tim Ireland, was taken down for reproducing Murray's article, incidentally causing the loss of other blogs belonging to the MP Boris Johnson and councillor Bob Piper – neither of which had been used to repost the article.{{cite web | url=http://www.chickyog.net/2007/09/20/public-service-announcement/ | title=Public Service Announcement | work=Chicken Yoghurt | access-date=20 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011090829/http://www.chickyog.net/2007/09/20/public-service-announcement/ | archive-date=11 October 2007 | url-status=dead }}

On 12 December 2011, following the 2011 Russian protests regarding vote-rigging in parliamentary elections, the weekly Kommersant Vlast magazine ran an unflattering issue on Vladimir Putin titled "Victory of United ballot-stuffers" – a pun on Putin's United Russia party.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16164825 Russia media managers fired "over anti-Putin pictures"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222223859/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16164825 |date=22 December 2017 }}, BBC (13 December 2011) Usmanov sacked the editor, Maxim Kovalsky, and the head of the publisher's holding company, Andrei Galiyev, saying there had been an "ethical breach" and that the issue "bordered on petty hooliganism". The controversy surrounded an image of a ballot paper from the parliamentary vote with the words "Putin, go fuck yourself" scrawled in red ink. The caption read: "A correctly filled out ballot recognized as invalid." Demyan Kudryavtsev, the head of the Kommersant publishing house, assumed responsibility by resigning, stating in a blog post that the magazine issue had been "in violation of internal procedures, professional journalistic standards and the Russian law".[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16183112 Russian journalists condemn 'gag' after Putin story] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618015208/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16183112 |date=18 June 2019 }}, BBC (14 December 2011)

Nadezhda Azhgihina, executive secretary of the Russian Union of Journalists, was shocked by the incident, calling it "a clear example of censorship from the owner". On 14 December 60 journalists from the Kommersant newspaper signed an open letter to Usmanov, saying, "We are being compelled to be cowards, which is unworthy and unproductive...We regard [Kovalsky's] dismissal as an act of intimidation aimed at preventing any critical words about Vladimir Putin...We take particular offense at the attempt to present the dismissal of a man for his professional position as a fight for the purity of the Russian language. This is the same kind of fabrication that offended people at the election." Usmanov responded that emotionally, he could "understand the journalists speaking up for sacked top managers" but that "Kommersant Vlast is a respectable, independent, socio-political publication." Mikhail Prokhorov, who had announced his candidacy for the 2012 presidential election, offered to buy Kommersant on the same day, but Usmanov rejected the offer. In 2013, Kovalsky returned to Kommersant, where he worked until his death from cancer in 2019.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-30 |title=Умер бывший главред журнала "Коммерсантъ-Власть" Максим Ковальский |url=https://www.rbc.ru/society/30/03/2019/5c9e8fe79a7947ea7e18719b |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=РБК |language=ru}}

Notwithstanding the imposition of sanctions on Alisher Usmanov by the U.S. Department of Treasury and, therefore, the fact that Kommersant is owned by the SDN, OFAC issued General License No. 64 to authorize any transactions “ordinarily incident and necessary to the operations of the newspaper Kommersant”. U.S. officials consider the newspaper as of one of the last independent media outlets in Russia.{{Cite news |last1=Scheck |first1=Justin |last2=McKay |first2=Betsy |last3=Barry |first3=Rob |date=2022-03-30 |title=The U.S. Sanctions a Russian Oligarch—but Exempts His Companies |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-ukraine-russia-sanctions-oligarch-exemptions-11648655430 |access-date=2023-07-18 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2023 |title=Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Kommersant |url=https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/931616/download?inline |website=Office of Foreign Assets Control}} Despite the official exemption from sanctions, Kommersant was still severely affected by the sanctions regime.   Due to vague wording in the license regarding the range of permitted transactions, almost all of Kommersant's international partners chose to simply stop cooperating with the newspaper. As a result, Kommersant lost access to the basic tools used by all major media outlets, such as the Bloomberg terminal, and was also disconnected from the Google Discover service, which accounted for almost 40% of daily clicks on links to Kommersant's website.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=Kommersant: the oddest sanctions |url=https://www.intellinews.com/kommersant-the-oddest-sanctions-369512/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en}}

On 12 November 2012, the British newspaper The Times reported that Usmanov had hired a London-based PR firm, RLM Finsbury, that edited Usmanov's article on the online encyclopedia English Wikipedia to remove information on Usmanov's criminal convictions and later controversies surrounding their client.{{cite news |title=PR firm of Oligarch Alisher Usmanov cleaned up his entry in Wikipedia |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/telecoms/article3597035.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=12 November 2012 |author1=Kenber, Billy |author2=Ahmed, Murad |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112043630/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/telecoms/article3597035.ece |url-status=dead }} The discovery caused significant backlash among the PR professionals in the UK, with the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations stressing that "public relations professionals should not directly edit Wikipedia for a client or employer".{{cite web | url=http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/cipr-responds-to-reports-of-rlm-finsbury-editing-wikipedia-pages-for-alisher-usmanov | title=CIPR and Wikimedia UK respond to reports of RLM Finsbury editing Wikipedia pages for Alisher Usmanov | date=12 November 2012 | publisher=Chartered Institute of Public Relations | access-date=21 October 2015 | archive-date=9 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009055339/http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/cipr-responds-to-reports-of-rlm-finsbury-editing-wikipedia-pages-for-alisher-usmanov/ | url-status=live }} The PR firm acknowledged their actions and stated that they had acted without the authorisation of their client.{{cite news|last=Sparkes|first=Matthew|title=Finsbury edited Alisher Usmanov's Wikipedia page|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/9671471/Finsbury-edited-Alisher-Usmanovs-Wikipedia-page.html|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=12 November 2012|location=London|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=28 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128233425/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/9671471/Finsbury-edited-Alisher-Usmanovs-Wikipedia-page.html|url-status=live}} The information was said to have been removed in expectation of the stock market listing of MegaFon, which is controlled by Usmanov.{{cite news|title=Report: Usmanov PR Firm Tweaked Wikipedia Entry|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/report-usmanov-pr-firm-tweaked-wikipedia-entry/471315.html|newspaper=The Moscow Times|date=13 November 2012|access-date=12 November 2012|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123112632/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/report-usmanov-pr-firm-tweaked-wikipedia-entry/471315.html|url-status=live}}

In 2018, US Senators Marco Rubio, Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham, and Cory Gardner called on the Trump administration to sanction Usmanov over what they allege is his corruption and bribery of Russian government officials.{{cite web|title=Senators call on Trump administration to add two Putin cronies to Russia report|url=https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/1/senators-call-on-trump-administration-to-add-two-putin-cronies-to-upcoming-russia-sanctions-report|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626142316/https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/1/senators-call-on-trump-administration-to-add-two-putin-cronies-to-upcoming-russia-sanctions-report|archive-date=26 June 2020|access-date=24 June 2020 |work=Roger Wicker subdomain of US Senate site |date=17 January 2018}} In August 2024, the Washington Examiner described Usmanov as a "proto-mafia" figure.{{Cite news|date=13 August 2024 |title=European crackdown on X and free speech deserves utter derision |work=Washington Examiner|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3118519/european-crackdown-x-free-speech-deserves-derision/|url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818165449/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3118519/european-crackdown-x-free-speech-deserves-derision/|archive-date=18 August 2024}}

On 28 February 2022, in reaction to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union blacklisted Usmanov, imposing an EU-wide travel ban on him and freezing all his assets. On 3 March, the United States imposed similar sanctions on him, with some exceptions for his companies.{{Cite news |last1=Scheck |first1=Justin |last2=McKay |first2=Betsy |last3=Barry |first3=Rob |date=2022-03-30 |title=The U.S. Sanctions a Russian Oligarch—but Exempts His Companies |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-ukraine-russia-sanctions-oligarch-exemptions-11648655430 |access-date=2023-07-11 |issn=0099-9660}} He was sanctioned on the same day by the British government.{{Cite web |title=Government announces sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Igor Shuvalov |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-sanctions-against-russian-oligarchs-alisher-usmanov-and-igor-shuvalov |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}} Usmanov is named in the Official Journal of the European Union, the publication of record of the EU, as a "a leading businessperson with particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin."{{Citation |title=Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2456 of 12 September 2024 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine |date=2024-09-12 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1726215819318&uri=CELEX:32024D2456 |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en}} It added: "[Usmanov] has been referred to as one of Vladimir Putin’s favourite leading businesspersons. He is considered to be one of Russia’s businesspersons-officials, who were entrusted with servicing financial flows but whose positions depend on the will of the President."{{Citation |title=Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine |date=2024-09-14 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02014R0269-20240914 |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en}} Usmanov claimed that the reasons employed to justify the sanctions were a set of false and defamatory allegations. It is known that he filed a lawsuit against the Council in the EU court in order to prove the invalidity of the accusations of the Council and lift the sanctions. Usmanov claims his fame and fortune rather than links to President Vladimir Putin made him a target for sanctions. His lawyers told an EU court hearing he was unfairly targeted as “prey” by officials because he was a “visible symbol” known to the public.{{Cite news |date=2023-06-06 |title=Usmanov Claims Fame and Fortune Made Him EU Sanctions Target |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-06/usmanov-claims-fame-and-fortune-made-him-eu-sanctions-target |access-date=2023-07-11}} Usmanov also sued US Forbes for an article containing allegations that formed the basis of sanctions against him. His lawyers successfully proved that the publication's allegations were defamatory and unfounded.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=German court rules Forbes allegations against billionaire Usmanov used to justify EU sanctions are false |url=https://www.intellinews.com/german-court-rules-forbes-allegations-against-billionaire-usmanov-used-to-justify-eu-sanctions-are-false-308997 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Court sides with sanctioned billionaire Usmanov over Forbes' allegations of Putin ties - https://eutoday.net |url=https://eutoday.net/alisher-usmanov-legal-victory/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en-GB}}

In March 2022, the German federal government set up a task force to track down oligarch funds in Germany. Several ministries and authorities are involved, from the Ministry of Economics and Finance, the financial supervisory authority BaFin, the Federal Criminal Police Office, customs and the Federal Intelligence Service (BND). Authorities of this task force have been looking for Usmanov's property and assets that could be frozen and secured. Several villas on the Bavarian Tegernsee are said to belong to the oligarch. The German Federal Criminal Police Office is said to have come across 36 offshore companies and 90 suspicious money laundering reports in connection with Usmanov alone.{{Cite web |title=Sanktionen gegen Russland: Ein Schiff muss bleiben |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/russland-oligarchen-101.html |access-date=8 April 2022 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408105329/https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/russland-oligarchen-101.html |url-status=live}} Usmanov denies all accusations, arguing that under the agreement on avoidance of double taxation between Russia and Germany, he did not have to pay taxes in Germany because all taxes were paid in Russia. In addition, the billionaire does not own any real estate in Germany; all the properties were transferred to irrevocable family trusts long before the imposition of sanctions.{{Cite news |date=2022-09-22 |title=Germany raids Russian oligarch's properties in money-laundering probe |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-police-storm-estate-russian-oligarch-usmanov-media-reports-2022-09-21/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}{{Cite web |title=Business {{!}} Us/business {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/21/ |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}

On May 12, 2023, the Land Court in Frankfurt am Main invalidated and annulled search orders at properties that German prosecutors linked to Usmanov: villas on Lake Tegernsee, an apartment in the outskirts of Frankfurt and other properties in Germany, as well as the Dilbar yacht in the port of Bremen.{{Cite news |last=Chazan |first=Guy |date=2023-05-26 |title=Sanctions-hit Russian oligarch wins rare legal battle over property searches |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/25685bfd-c8d2-441c-b0d5-7b04377cd856 |access-date=2023-05-31}}{{Cite news |last1=Diehl |first1=Jörg |last2=Lehberger |first2=Roman |date=2023-05-26 |title=Alischer Usmanow: Ermittlungen wegen Geldwäsche — Gericht kippt Durchsuchungen bei Oligarch |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/ermittlungen-wegen-geldwaesche-gericht-kippt-durchsuchungen-bei-oligarch-usmanow-a-2bb53e08-1e38-45b7-bec6-28c199be72eb |access-date=2023-05-31 |issn=2195-1349}} The court declared the searches illegal, called the prosecutors' accusations of money laundering groundless, and found numerous formal violations. The judges said the rulings that prompted the searches “do not meet the minimum requirements the definition of the crime being investigated”. German media called the case "the investigators' disgrace”.{{Cite news |last1=Chazan |first1=Guy |date=26 May 2023 |title=Sanctions-hit Russian oligarch wins rare legal battle over property searches |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/25685bfd-c8d2-441c-b0d5-7b04377cd856 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-07-16}}{{Cite web |last1=Schmitt |first1=Jörg |last2=Wiegand |first2=Ralf |date=2023-05-26 |title=Usmanow: Hausdurchsuchungen in Deutschland waren rechtswidrig |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/oligarch-alischer-usmanow-durchsuchungen-rechtswidrig-1.5883654 |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=Süddeutsche.de |language=de}} Another search occurred in early October 2023.{{Cite web |last=red |first=ORF at/Agenturen |date=2023-10-05 |title=Razzia gegen Oligarchen am deutschen Tegernsee |url=https://orf.at/stories/3333609/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=news.ORF.at |language=de}}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Luxusfahrzeuge im Visier: Zoll durchsucht Anwesen von Alischer Usmanow am Tegernsee |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/rottach-egern-zoll-durchsucht-anwesen-von-alischer-usmanow-am-tegernsee-a-1ae2d30e-487e-40d8-b3c7-4461a44f0b42 |access-date=2023-10-05 |issn=2195-1349}}{{Cite web |last=Wirtschaftswoche |date=2023-10-05 |title=Alischer Usmanow: Razzia auf Anwesen von russischem Oligarchen am Tegernsee |url=https://www.wiwo.de/politik/ausland/alischer-usmanow-razzia-auf-anwesen-von-russischem-oligarchen-am-tegernsee/29429352.html |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=www.wiwo.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-05 |title=German sanctions officers raid Russian citizen's properties in Bavaria |url=https://news.yahoo.com/german-sanctions-officers-raid-russian-094749106.html |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}} On October 26, 2023, the court considered the application of Usmanov's lawyers requesting to stop illegal retention of property seized during the searches and ordered to return it to its owners.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=Nach Razzien bei Russen-Oligarch: Justiz muss Kunstwerke zurückgeben |url=https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/regional/muenchen/muenchen-aktuell/nach-razzien-bei-russen-oligarch-justiz-muss-kunstwerke-zurueckgeben-85943312.bild.html |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=bild.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=Alisher Usmanov: German court rules in favour of Russian billionaire after "unlawful" search warrants |website=eutoday.net |url=https://eutoday.net/alisher-usmanov-german-court/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |language=en-GB}}

In August 2023, it became known that Usmanov filed a complaint with the German Constitutional Court seeking to declare personal sanctions against him as unjustified, and that some provisions of the German Foreign Trade Act (that he allegedly violated) are unconstitutional. The provisions in question stipulate that sanctioned individuals must report their assets to the authorities themselves. This contradicts the constitutional privilege against self-incrimination. Usmanov also wants the searches on the Dilbar yacht to be recognized as a violation of the inviolability of the dwelling and an infringement of personal dignity.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-12 |title=Sanktionen gegen Russland: Oligarch Usmanow klagt in Karlsruhe - WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article246864290/Sanktionen-gegen-Russland-Oligarch-Usmanow-klagt-in-Karlsruhe.html |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}}

Usmanov's sister, Gulbakhor Ismailova, was legally the beneficiary of the trust which owns the super-yacht Dilbar, before the EU imposed sanctions on her.{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Decision on lifting EU sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and sisters expected soon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/08/eu-sanctions-alisher-usmanov-sisters-could-be-lifted-ecj-putin |access-date=25 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}} The ship was seized in Hamburg. According to Politico, in March 2025, the EU removed Ismailova from its 2000-person sanctions list within the deal with Hungary, which had threatened to veto the whole sanctions framework.{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-renews-russian-sanctions-after-deal-with-hungary/ |title=EU renews Russian sanctions after deal with Hungary |author=Gabriel Gavin |date=March 14, 2025 |publisher=Politico |access-date=March 14, 2025}} Another sister of the oligarch, Saodat Narzieva, was also on the EU sanctions list. But after investigations were published, proving that the data from "Suisse Secrets", according to which Narzieva was said to have been the beneficial owner of up to 27 accounts at the major Swiss bank Credit Suisse was false,{{Cite web |date=28 April 2022 |title=INVESTIGATION: New evidence raises questions over the EU's decision to sanction Russian oligarch Usmanov's sister |url=https://intellinews.com/investigation-new-evidence-raises-questions-over-the-eu-s-decision-to-sanction-russian-oligarch-usmanov-s-sister-242689/ |access-date=25 December 2022 |website=intellinews.com |language=en}} on 14 September 2022, the EU lifted sanctions from her.{{Citation |title=Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1530 of 14 September 2022 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine |date=15 September 2022 |url=http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/1530/oj/eng |issue=32022D1530 |language=en |access-date=25 December 2022}}{{Cite web |date=16 September 2022 |title=Sister of oligarch Alisher Usmanov removed from EU sanctions list |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/16/alisher-usmanov-removed-eu-sanctions-list-saodat-narzieva |access-date=25 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

In October 2023, the German “Central Office for Sanctions Enforcement" (ZfS) of Federal Customs Service searched several properties in the greater Munich area and on Lake Tegernsee. According to dpa information, around 30 investigators searched Usmanov's villa and confiscated several luxury vehicles, assets and possessions of Alisher Usmanov.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-05 |title=Razzia am Tegernsee: Mehrere Luxusautos abtransportiert |url=https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/razzia-am-tegernsee-mehrere-luxusautos-abtransportiert,Trgnjmb |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=BR24 |language=de}} Meanwhile, his spokesman said that there can be no reasons for suspicion against Usmanov and that the properties belong to a trust, which Usmanov does not own and therefore he cannot control or manage its assets.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=German police raid properties of Russian businessman under EU sanctions |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-sanctions-officers-raid-russian-citizens-properties-bavaria-2023-10-05/ |access-date=2023-10-06}} Later, a German court confirmed that the allegations were false and banned the media from naming Usmanov as the owner of the villa.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-08 |title=Sanctioned Billionaire Usmanov Wins Lawsuit Against German Newspaper Tagesspiegel |url=https://eutoday.net/sanctioned-billionaire-usmanov-wins-lawsuit-against-german-newspaper-tagesspiegel/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |language=en-GB}}

In June 2024, Usmanov filed suit against UBS Europe SE in Frankfurt over what his lawyers said were unsubstantiated reports that triggered an illegal criminal probe into his business dealings.{{cite web |title=Russian Oligarch Usmanov Starts Legal Battle With UBS |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russian-oligarch-usmanov-starts-legal-battle-with-ubs-4d5e3540 |website=Barron's |access-date=24 June 2024}} Usmanov said that the bank had violated its confidentiality agreements by sharing more than a dozen misleading reports dating from 2018 to 2022 with German police.{{cite news |title=Russian Tycoon Usmanov Sues UBS Over Money Laundering Alerts |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-17/russian-tycoon-usmanov-sues-ubs-over-money-laundering-reports |website=Bloomberg |date=17 June 2024 |access-date=24 June 2024}}

In November 2024 the Prosecutor General's Office in Frankfurt am Main has dropped its investigation into Usmanov. Usmanov voluntary donated 4 million euros split between charities and the state.{{Cite news |last=Service |first=RFE/RL's Russian |title=German Prosecutors Drop Probe Against Russian-Uzbek Billionaire Usmanov |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-usmanov-germany-prosecutor-fine-money-laundering/33187656.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}} The closure of the case does not constitute an admission of guilt. Usmanov’s lawyers said that after more than two-and-a-half years, the investigation had failed to prove the accusations against him.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-04 |title=Russian Tycoon Usmanov Pays €4 Million to Settle German Criminal Probe |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-04/russian-tycoon-usmanov-pays-4-million-to-settle-german-criminal-probe |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}

On May 5, 2025, the Regional Court of Hamburg ruled that the statement that Alisher Usmanov is the owner of the yacht Dilbar is false and prohibited its dissemination.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Russian tycoon Usmanov wins lawsuit against Luxembourg media giant |url=https://www.intellinews.com/russian-tycoon-usmanov-wins-lawsuit-against-luxembourg-media-giant-380755/?source=russia |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en}}

In September 2022, it was reported that Hungary demanded to lift EU sanctions from Usmanov.{{Cite news |last=Moens |first=Barbara |date=September 6, 2022 |title=Hungary demands EU lift sanctions on 3 Russian oligarchs |work=POLITICO |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-russia-sanction-list-eu-oligarch/ |access-date=July 23, 2023}} In November it was reported that the Uzbek government had lobbied the EU to lift sanctions on Usmanov, stating that the sanctions were restricting his ability to invest in his home nation.{{Cite web |last1=Foy |first1=Henry |last2=Seddon |first2=Max |date=9 November 2022 |title=Uzbekistan lobbies EU to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6a42b111-a166-4a96-9ce6-d3d5b6a67d0c |accessdate=18 December 2022 |website=Financial Times}}

In December 2022, a Ukraine Court ordered the seizure of ₴ 2 billion (US$54 million) worth of USM assets, comprising 160,000 tonnes of Ukrainian iron ore.{{cite web |title=Ukraine seizes property of Russian oligarch Usmanov worth almost US$54m |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/12/27/7382564/ |access-date=28 December 2022}} Metalloinvest, in a statement published on 28 December, denied the information, saying that the Ukrainian authorities arrested iron ore raw materials produced by Metalloinvest's enterprises in Russia and intended for its buyers abroad. These were goods blocked for the export shipment by the Ukrainian authorities back in February 2022.{{Cite web |title=Киев: В Украине арестовано имущество российского олигарха Усманова |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/ru/мир/киев-в-украине-арестовано-имущество-российского-олигарха-усманова-/2773847 |access-date=27 January 2023 |website=www.aa.com.tr}} Metalloinvest also threatened to take legal action against Ukraine and any potential buyer if Kyiv confiscates the company's iron.{{Cite web |title=Metalloinvest to take legal action over confiscation of its iron ore in Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/metalloinvest-take-legal-action-over-confiscation-its-iron-ore-ukraine-2024-08-19/}} On September 25 Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court upheld Ukraine's decision to confiscate the iron-ore assets. "The Court’s decision is a flagrant example of the unlawful and unfounded "legalization" of the appropriation of private property, which had earlier been blocked and illegally held by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in typical pirate fashion for a period of more than two years. We will make every effort to ensure that international courts make an appropriate assessment of the unlawful actions of Ukraine’s executive and judicial authorities", USM stated.{{Cite web |last=Reuters |title=Russia's USM threatens legal action over confiscation of its iron-ore in Ukraine |url=https://www.miningweekly.com/article/russias-usm-threatens-legal-action-over-confiscation-of-its-iron-ore-in-ukraine-2024-09-27 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Mining Weekly |language=en}}

File:Dilbar-Barcelona 2017.jpg in Barcelona]]

Usmanov has no biological children. He has a stepson with his former wife Irina Viner. The stepson is a real-estate investor, currently constructing 30 real estate projects.{{cite web|date=22 March 2012|title=Наследник Алишера Усманова застроит "Новую Москву"|url=http://www.gdeetotdom.ru/living/articles/1856621|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316232714/http://www.gdeetotdom.ru/living/articles/1856621/|archive-date=16 March 2014|access-date=16 March 2014|website=Редакция ГдеЭтотДом.РУ|language=ru}}

File:Bourkhan Airbus A340-313X Roman Abramovich Nussbaumer.jpg (2008).]]

Usmanov is estimated to be among the world's 100 wealthiest individuals.{{Cite web |title=Sanctioning an Oligarch Is Not So Easy: Why the Money Trail of Alisher Usmanov, One of Russia's Wealthiest Men, Is Difficult to Follow |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/asset-tracker/sanctioning-an-oligarch-is-not-so-easy-why-the-money-trail-of-alisher-usmanov-one-of-russias-wealthiest-men-is-difficult-to-follow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322142134/https://www.occrp.org/en/asset-tracker/sanctioning-an-oligarch-is-not-so-easy-why-the-money-trail-of-alisher-usmanov-one-of-russias-wealthiest-men-is-difficult-to-follow |archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=OCCRP |language=en}} In 2004 Usmanov bought the Grade I listed Tudor mansion Sutton Place set in {{convert|300|acre|ha|abbr=off|order=flip}} in Surrey, which he bought for £10 million in 2004. In 2012, it was claimed by businessman Boris Berezovsky that Usmanov was given Sutton Place as part of a business deal, a claim that Usmanov denied.{{cite news |author=Alex Spence |date=11 February 2012 |title=Arsenal tycoon's stately home was a 'sweetener in deal with oligarch' |work=Sunday Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/best-law-firms/profile-legal/article/arsenal-tycoons-stately-home-was-a-sweetener-in-deal-with-oligarch-rqlbknswxsf |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312071439/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/article3316873.ece |archive-date=12 March 2016}} In 2008, Usmanov bought Beechwood House, a Grade II listed Regency property in {{convert|11|acre|ha|abbr=on|order=flip}} of grounds in the London suburb of Highgate from the Qatari sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for £48 million.{{cite news |author=Helen Davies |date=18 May 2008 |title=A League of His Own |work=Sunday Times}}{{cite news |date=31 May 2011 |title=Tycoon's basement plans labelled 'blot under the landscape' by furious neighbours |work=Evening Standard |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/tycoons-basement-plans-labelled-blot-under-the-landscape-by-furious-neighbours-6406641.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311191940/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/tycoons-basement-plans-labelled-blot-under-the-landscape-by-furious-neighbours-6406641.html |archive-date=11 March 2016}} Currently these properties are owned by a discretionary irrevocable trust created by the magnate.{{Cite web |last=Times |first=The Sunday |date=2022-05-20 |title=Alisher Usmanov net worth — Sunday Times Rich List 2022 |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/alisher-usmanov-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-3bwsf09f6?region=global |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}} Usmanov also owns a {{convert|30|acre|ha|order=flip|adj=on}} property in Moscow and a villa on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Usmanov was said to own three luxury yachts named Dilbar, after his mother. In 2005 he took delivery of the first Dilbar (now Luna B) from Oceanco at a reported cost of $60 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/luna-b/|title=Inside LUNA B Yacht • Oceanco • 2005 • Owner Robert Friedland|publisher=SuperYachtFan|accessdate=22 October 2022}} A second Dilbar (now Al Raya) was delivered by Lürssen in 2008 at a reported cost of $250 million.{{Cite web |title=Inside the Crazy US$250,000,000 [Al RAYA Yacht] |url=https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht-raya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028214136/https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht-raya.html |archive-date=28 October 2019 |access-date=28 October 2019 |website=www.superyachtfan.com}} As of 2019 it was the 38th largest motor yacht by length, measuring 110.0 m (361 ft). In 2015 Usmanov commissioned the third Dilbar, the current largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage (15,917 gt) and the 6th largest yacht by length measuring 156.0 m (512 ft).{{Cite web |title=A new look at the world's largest yacht: Dilbar |url=https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/a-new-look-at-the-world-s-largest-yacht-dilbar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028214136/https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/a-new-look-at-the-world-s-largest-yacht-dilbar |archive-date=28 October 2019 |access-date=28 October 2019 |website=www.superyachttimes.com |date=22 June 2016 |language=en}} It is reported to have cost $800 million, employ 84 full-time crew members, and contain the largest indoor swimming pool installed on a superyacht at 180 cubic metres.{{Cite web |title=Video: Lürssen 156m superyacht Dilbar delivered to owner |url=https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/video-lurssen-156m-dilbar-leaves-shipyard-for-delivery--25123 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028214137/https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/video-lurssen-156m-dilbar-leaves-shipyard-for-delivery--25123 |archive-date=28 October 2019 |access-date=28 October 2019 |website=Boat International |language=en}} After taking delivery of the second Dilbar, Usmanov renamed the original Ona and sold it in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-ona-sold-by-burgess-and-renamed-natita|title=Superyacht Ona sold by Burgess and renamed Natita|date=11 June 2010 |publisher=SuperYacht Times|accessdate=22 October 2022}} He later repeated that process when the second Dilbar was renamed Ona and was sold to a middle-eastern buyer in 2018.{{Cite web |title=Mega yacht ONA ex.Dilbar sold and renamed RAYA – Yacht Charter & Superyacht News |url=https://www.charterworld.com/news/mega-yacht-ona-exdilbar-sold-renamed-raya |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723195958/https://www.charterworld.com/news/mega-yacht-ona-exdilbar-sold-renamed-raya |archive-date=23 July 2019 |access-date=28 October 2019 |website=www.charterworld.com}} Usmanov and his representatives claim that the yacht did not belong to him, but was transferred into family trust many years ago.{{Cite news |last=Goodley |first=Simon |date=2022-03-22 |title=Alisher Usmanov's assets may be out of reach of sanctions regime |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/alisher-usmanov-ex-arsenal-shareholder-russian-bilionaire-assets-sanctions |access-date=2023-07-22 |issn=0261-3077}} Some media reported that on 2 March 2022, German authorities seized Dilbar in Hamburg as part of sanctions against Usmanov stemming from the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Tognini |first=Giacomo |title=Germans Seize Russian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov's Mega-Yacht |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/03/02/germans-seize-russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanovs-mega-yacht/ |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302204050/https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/03/02/germans-seize-russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanovs-mega-yacht/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Tognini |first=Giacomo |title=UPDATE: Fate Of Russian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov's Mega-Yacht In Germany Uncertain |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/03/02/update-fate-of-russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanovs-mega-yacht-in-germany-uncertain/ |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}} On April 15, 2022, the yacht was frozen by Germany after investigations regarding its ownership revealed that Dilbar belonged to a trust, one of whose beneficiaries used to be Usmanov's sister, who was also sanctioned.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-14 |title=Germany seizes world's largest superyacht 'Dilbar' belonging to Russian billionaire |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-superyacht-dilbar-alisher-usmanov-b2057809.html |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414174624/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-superyacht-dilbar-alisher-usmanov-b2057809.html |url-status=live }} In March 2024 Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (the Bundeskriminalamt, or BKA) deleted its posts on X that named Ismailova Dilbar yacht owner.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-03 |title=Tweets and deletes: faulty, backtracked claims expose shaky logic of EU sanctions against Russian tycoons - https://eutoday.net |url=https://eutoday.net/alisher-usmanov-eu-sanctions/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |language=en-GB}} In February 2025, Germany's largest news agency dpa, which had spread information that Usmanov's sister Gulbahor Ismailova was the owner of the yacht Dilbar, withdrew its report as false.{{Cite web |last=Stur |first=Beata |date=2025-02-19 |title=German news agency dpa retracts story used to justify EU sanctions against sister of billionaire Usmanov |url=https://www.europeaninterest.eu/german-news-agency-dpa-retracts-story-used-to-justify-eu-sanctions-against-sister-of-billionaire-usmanov/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=European Interest |language=en-US}}

According to the Index, Usmanov's net worth fell by nearly a quarter from February 22 to March 15, 2022, as the West imposed sanctions following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |title=Who is Alisher Usmanov, the sanctioned Russian billionaire said to be one of Putin's 'favorite oligarchs'? |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alisher-usmanov-sanctioned-russian-billionaire-140000236.html |website=news.yahoo.com |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316061652/https://news.yahoo.com/alisher-usmanov-sanctioned-russian-billionaire-140000236.html |url-status=live }}

In 2021, The Sunday Times named Usmanov the most generous philanthropist on its Rich List, donating more than £4.2 billion to charity personally and by his businesses over the 20-year history of The Sunday Times Giving List.{{Cite news |title=Alisher Usmanov net worth — Sunday Times Rich List 2021 |language=en |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/alisher-usmanov-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-3bwsf09f6 |access-date=21 May 2021 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521022644/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/alisher-usmanov-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-3bwsf09f6 |url-status=live }} In 2012, Russian Forbes named Usmanov Philanthropist of the Year.{{Cite web |title=Филантроп года: Алишер Усманов |url=https://www.forbes.ru/sobytiya/lyudi/231480-filantrop-goda-alisher-usmanov |access-date=27 November 2021 |website=Forbes.ru |date=26 December 2012 |language=ru |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215753/https://www.forbes.ru/sobytiya/lyudi/231480-filantrop-goda-alisher-usmanov |url-status=live }} In 2006 Usmanov founded "Art, Science and Sport" Charity Fund. The Fund is in close cooperation with London's Tate Britain. Together they carried out several projects in Russia such as the Turner exhibition in 2009{{cite web |title=Turner Exhibition Opens in Russia | Tate |url=http://www.tate.org.uk/about/press-office/press-releases/turner-exhibition-opens-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402084012/http://www.tate.org.uk/about/press-office/press-releases/turner-exhibition-opens-russia |archive-date=2 April 2016 |access-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=tate.org.uk}} and the Pre-Raphaelites exhibition in 2013.{{cite web |title=Our work in arts | British Council | Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde |url=http://www.britishcouncil.ru/en/discover-arts/visual-arts-and-museums/pre-raphaelites-exhibition |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216094535/http://www.britishcouncil.ru/en/discover-arts/visual-arts-and-museums/pre-raphaelites-exhibition |archive-date=16 December 2013 |access-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=britishcouncil.ru}} Usmanov is a Trustee for a range of social, educational and cultural organisations, including the Russian Geographical Society, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, National Research University Higher School of Economics, and the European University at St Petersburg. In 2015 he donated €1.5 million toward the restoration of Rome's Basilica Ulpia.{{cite news |date=14 April 2015 |title=Russian tycoon to fund restoration of ancient Roman Basilica |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-art-usmanov-idUSKBN0N51Q120150414 |url-status=live |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001160000/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/14/us-italy-art-usmanov-idUSKBN0N51Q120150414 |archive-date=1 October 2015}}

In February 2020, it was revealed Usmanov purchased Pierre de Coubertin's original 1892 Olympic Manifesto for $8.8 million.{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=10 February 2020 |title=Alisher Usmanov donates £6.8m Olympic manifesto to Games museum |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/feb/10/alisher-usmanov-donates-olympic-manifesto-to-games-museum |url-status=live |access-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212143014/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/feb/10/alisher-usmanov-donates-olympic-manifesto-to-games-museum |archive-date=12 February 2020 |issn=0261-3077}} He then donated it to the Olympic Museum.{{Cite web |last=Ramsay |first=George |title=Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov donates $8.8 million Olympic manifesto to museum |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/10/sport/olympics-manifesto-alisher-usmanov-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212142454/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/10/sport/olympics-manifesto-alisher-usmanov-spt-intl/index.html |archive-date=12 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=CNN|date=10 February 2020 }} The manifesto has become the world's most expensive piece of sports memorabilia.{{Cite news |last=Hyde |first=Marina |date=12 February 2020 |title=Alisher Usmanov's remedy for love? New love. And a £6.8m Olympic manifesto {{!}} Marina Hyde |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/feb/12/alisher-usmanov-olympic-manifesto-everton |url-status=live |access-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212144402/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/feb/12/alisher-usmanov-olympic-manifesto-everton |archive-date=12 February 2020 |issn=0261-3077}} Two years in a row, in 2020 and 2021, Usmanov topped the list of contributors to the fight against COVID-19 among the participants of The Sunday Times Rich List with donations Russia, Uzbekistan and Italy of £134.2 m.[https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/article/stormzy-cambridge-sunday-times-giving-list-2020-cxf5jzj7d Sunday Times Giving List 2020: Stormzy breaks new ground] The Sunday Times, 16 May 2020.

On 17 September 2007, Usmanov paid more than £20 million for an art collection owned by the late Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, days before it was to be auctioned by Sotheby's in London. He gave all the artwork to the Russian state, where it is housed in the Konstantinovsky Palace near St. Petersburg. Later that same month he purchased the rights to a large collection of Soviet cartoons, which for fifteen years had been owned by Russian-born actor Oleg Vidov, who emigrated to the United States in 1985. After the deal, valued at $5–10 million, Usmanov donated the cartoon collection to a newly formed Russian children's television channel.{{cite news |author=BBC |author-link=BBC |date=17 September 2007 |title=Billionaire buys entire auction |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6999330.stm |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907014013/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6999330.stm |archive-date=7 September 2017}}

According to presidential decree No. 365 of 17 March 2004, Usmanov was awarded with a Medal of Honor of Russia.{{cite web |title=Presidential decree No. 365 of 17 March 2004 |url=http://graph.document.kremlin.ru/page.aspx?782274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219033711/http://graph.document.kremlin.ru/page.aspx?782274 |archive-date=19 February 2014 |access-date=3 February 2014 |publisher=kremlin.ru}} In 2011, Usmanov received the Order "Dostyk" (Friendship) 2nd degree of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2013, he was awarded the Order for Service to the Fatherland IV class in recognition of his services to the state, as well as his community and charitable activities. In the same year, he was awarded a medal 'For contribution to international cooperation' by the Foreign Ministry of Russia. In 2014, Usmanov received the Order of Alexander Nevsky for his community and charitable activities. In 2016 he received The Decoration "For Beneficence" for his contribution to charitable and social activities in Russia. The same year Usmanov received the Al-Fahr Order for his great contribution to the revival of Islam in Russia. In 2017, Mr. Usmanov was awarded the title of Commander "Order of Merit of the Italian Republic" for architectural restoration projects. The award was presented by the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella.{{Cite web |last=akbaryusupov |title=Alisher Usmanov gives an interview to Italian TGcom24 in Tashkent |url=http://tashkenttimes.uz/national/10619-alisher-usmanov-gives-an-interview-to-italian-tgcom24-in-tashkent |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=tashkenttimes.uz}} In 2018 Usmanov received the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" 3rd class. In 2018, he was also awarded the Order "Dostyk" 1st degree (Kazakhstan) for his significant contribution to the and cultural development of the country, strengthening friendship and cooperation between peoples.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-11 |title=Назарбаев вручил Усманову орден "Достык" |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/11/05/2019/5cd68d589a7947d412e296c1 |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=РБК |language=ru}} In addition, in 2018, he received the Order of El-Yurt Hurmati "Respected by people and homeland" (Uzbekistan) for the effective implementation of major investment projects in the country, active participation in the creation of unique spiritual and educational complexes in Uzbekistan to revive and preserve the rich historical heritage and national values of our people, sincere love for the country, being an example for young people, and for assistance in developing sports and tourism potential of the country.{{Cite web |last=uz |first=Kun |title=Shavkat Mirziyoev awarded Alisher Usmanov with "El-yurt hurmati" order |url=https://kun.uz/en/news/2018/08/30/shavkat-mirziyoev-awarded-alisher-usmanov-with-el-yurt-hurmati-order |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Kun.uz |language=en}}

On 4 December 2014, Usmanov paid $4.8m for Dr James Watson's Nobel Prize Medal in Physiology or Medicine, which was auctioned at Christie's in New York City. Watson was selling his prize to raise money to support scientific research. After auctions fees, Watson received $4.1m. Usmanov subsequently returned the medal to Watson, stating "in my opinion, a situation in which an outstanding scientist sells a medal recognizing his achievements is unacceptable. Watson's work contributed to cancer research, the illness from which my father died. It is important for me that the money that I spent on this medal will go to supporting scientific research, and the medal will stay with the person who deserved it."{{cite news |title=Arsenal owner Alisher Usmanov hands Nobel Prize back to disgraced DNA scientist James Watson straight after buying it off him |newspaper=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/arsenal-owner-alisher-usmanov-hands-nobel-prize-back-to-disgraced-dna-scientist-james-watson-straight-after-buying-it-off-him-9912725.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925152810/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/arsenal-owner-alisher-usmanov-hands-nobel-prize-back-to-disgraced-dna-scientist-james-watson-straight-after-buying-it-off-him-9912725.html |archive-date=25 September 2015}}

{{Portal|Biography|Russia}}

• List of Russian billionaires
• Russian oligarchs
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{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20131112075835/http://www.russiancapitalistwiki.com/wiki/Alisher_Usmanov Profile]}} – Russian Capitalist Wiki (archived 12 November 2013)
• [https://cdn.occrp.org/projects/russian-asset-tracker/en/person/3/alisher-usmanov/ Usmanov's profile and assets on Russian Asset Tracker]
• [https://qalampir.uz/en/news/bu-mening-ishim-emas-usmonov-rossiya-ukraina-mozharosi-%D2%B3ak-ida-77656 Russia Ukrainer War comment from Alisher Usmanov]

{{Privatization in Russia}}

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