Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Meet the selected 3 billionaires who have been sanctioned

UK has slapped targeted economic sanctions on five Russian banks and three wealthy individuals as part of the British government’s response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

The thee billionaires: Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg and Igor Rotenberg will face a travel and trade ban with UK and also their UK assets will be frozen.

EJ Biz explores - Who are these high net worth and why have they have been selected to be sanctioned?

1. Gennady Timchenko

The 69 year old industrialist is worth $18 billion and controls Volga Group, a Russia-based business with interests in energy, transportation and construction. As one of the largest shareholders in the gas producing company Novatek and in one of the banks that has also been sanctioned. he is one of the most powerful people in Russia, Timchenko has close ties to President Vladimir Putin and, as a result, faced U.S. sanctions in 2014.

2. Boris Rotenberg

Even though he barely makes it to the rich list with just $1.2 billion in worth Rotenberg's close ties to Putin make him an obvious target. The former judo sparring partner of the Russian president also was instrumental in building state-controlled Gazprom. The 65 year old Russian was also hit with U.S. sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Crimea. He also owns a stake in SMP Bank, which is also being sanctioned.

3. Igor Rotenberg

The son of billionaire Arkady Rotenberg and nephew of sanctioned Boris Rotengerg, the 48 year old is also a close friend of Russian President Putin. He controls drilling company Gazprom Bureniye and is worth $1.1bn.

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