King Charles' Kin Faces Jail for Hosting Russian Tycoon at a Kenyan Ranch

A close relative of King Charles of the UK risks 30 years in jail if found to have violated US laws by hosting a sanctioned Russian billionaire at a Kenyan ranch.

In February 2021, the King's kin was accused of flying Oleg Deripaska, a billionaire closely associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to an exclusive safari in Laikipia County. The British socialite reportedly hosted Deripaska through her Manhattan-based charity company, which goes against US laws on sanctioned individuals. These legislations forbid U.S. citizens or institutions from conducting financial dealings or other negotiations with sanctioned individuals.

“Those who do can be jailed for up to 30 years. The same punishment applies to a sanctioned person who interacts with US individuals,” the law states.

On April 6, 2018, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Deripaska for allegedly threatening Ukraine on behalf of the Russian government, posing a danger to US national security and foreign policy. Although he does not deny visiting Nairobi, he strongly objects to the suggestion that his trip violated any US laws. Deripaska, who is a close associate of Putin, proceeded to Laikipia County in Kenya taking a private jet from Nairobi with a bodyguard, an executive from a leading Russian aluminium company, and a personal butler who escorted him as well.

For three days, Deripaska indulged in opulent surroundings costing approximately Sh670,000 per day. He enjoyed the serenity of an exclusive, privately-owned Kenyan ranch. Lions, cheetahs, and elephants were just a glimpse of the stunning wildlife on the property. It is unclear whether Kenya may have violated any laws by hosting the Russian billionaire given that the ranch and the helicopter are both foreign-owned.