A bitter legal battle has erupted in a UK courtroom between sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev and his former friend, Alexander Gorbachev. The dispute centres on a stake in PhosAgro, one of the world’s largest fertiliser companies, and hinges on alleged agreements made over two decades ago.

Gorbachev Claims Stake in Fertilizer Giant

Gorbachev is demanding nearly a quarter of Guryev’s stake in PhosAgro, claiming a verbal agreement from 2005. He alleges that Guryev promised him this share in exchange for holding it “undercover” during a criminal investigation against Guryev.

Guryev Denies Agreement, Calls it a Shakedown.

Guryev vehemently denies any such agreement, calling Gorbachev’s claims “fraudulent.” His lawyers argue that Gorbachev cashed out in 2007 for $20 million and has no further rights to the stake.

Dispute Extends to London Mansion

The fight extends beyond PhosAgro. Gorbachev’s lawyers allege Guryev used their joint funds to purchase Witanhurst, a massive mansion in London, in 2008. Guryev’s lawyers deny this, stating there was no shared pool of money.

Legal Battle Casts Shadow on Business Dealings

The court case sheds light on potentially murky business dealings from the post-Soviet Union era. The term “obshchak,” used by Guryev’s lawyers to deny a shared fund, refers to money linked to criminal groups.

The outcome of the Case Remains Unseen.

The judge scrutinises past conversations between the two men to determine the validity of Gorbachev’s claims. The verdict will decide the fate of the contested PhosAgro stake and potentially expose details of their past financial dealings.