Hauser & Wirth UK subsidiary faces charges for alleged Russian sanctions breach

Hauser & Wirth's UK subsidiary has been formally charged with violating British sanctions against Russia. The London branch allegedly provided a painting to an individual linked to Russia, according to an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs. In response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK banned exports of art and luxury items valued over £250 to Russia starting April 2022. Companies found in breach face unlimited fines. Hauser & Wirth stated it strongly contests the charge and plans to plead not guilty as the case moves to Westminster Magistrates' Court. The purchaser of the artwork is not personally sanctioned and faces no accusations of wrongdoing. Art shipping company Artay Rauchwerger Solomons is also named in the case alongside the gallery.