Russian Billionaires in Court Fight Over £300 Million Mansion
Two Russian businessmen, Alexander Gorbachev and Andrey Guryev, are embroiled in a billion-dollar court battle over a £300 million mansion in Highgate, North London. Gorbachev claims he is owed shares in a Russian fertiliser giant owned by Guryev.
Witanhurst Estate: A Luxurious 65-Room Residence
The Witanhurst estate, with 65 rooms, is the second largest private residence in London, only after Buckingham Palace. The mansion features a subterranean village with a 70ft pool, two-tier cinema, and massage rooms.
Legal Drama Unfolds in Dubai Court
The case between Gorbachev and Guryev has reached a Dubai court, where the fate of the Witanhurst estate hangs in the balance. Gorbachev alleges he lost a fortune in PhosAgro after fleeing to the UK in 2005 and being denied his shares.
From Fame Academy to Legal Battles
The Witanhurst estate was the backdrop for the 90s show BBC Fame Academy. The luxurious mansion also boasts living rooms, a kitchen, a media center, and direct access to the underground village.
Russian Billionaire's Lavish Lifestyle
Guryev, with a net worth of £2.6 billion, is reported to own a penthouse near MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall. Despite being sanctioned in the UK, a High Court judge will travel to the UAE to gather evidence from him.
Controversy Surrounding Guryev's Assets
Guryev made headlines when his super yacht was auctioned by the government of Antigua and Barbuda after being abandoned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 267ft yacht, Alfa Nero, includes luxurious amenities and was subject to a failed purchase attempt by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
