Russia’s second wealthiest man taken to court in UK’s biggest divorce case
A Russian oligarch's wife has launched a legal bid in Britain's biggest ever divorce case. The case is set for the High Court as Natalia Potanina battles for a third of her ex-partner's £15 billion fortune.
Natalia Potanina, 58, is pursuing a case in the British divorce courts after splitting with Russia's second wealthiest man, Vladimir Potanin. This comes after losing a legal battle in Russia against her former husband of 31 years and father of their three children.
The couple split when it was revealed that Vladimir had started a relationship with an employee 15-years younger than him - who he has since married.
Ms Potanina, who has lived in London since 2016, argues that she is unable to receive a fair hearing in Russia because her ex-husband is "ice-hockey buddies" with Vladimir Putin.
She is said to have instructed Charles Howard QC to lead her case in seeking a third of Mr Potanin's wealth (£5.8 billion) as she claims she was by his side as he built up his vast fortune.
Mr Potanin, founder of Interros, is estimated to be worth more than £15 billion, however he has disputed that figure. He built up his fortune trading metals following the break up of the Soviet Union.
Vladimir Potanin is said to have hired Fiona Shackleton who has been dubbed the "Steel Magnolia". Shackleton is well known as a prominent divorce lawyer, who has represented a string of royals and celebrities, from Sir Paul McCartney to the Prince of Wales.
Currently, Baroness Shakleton is representing one of six wives of the ruler of Dubai, Princess Haya bint Hussein. The legal battle was taken to court with husband Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.
If Ms Potanina's case is successful, it will become Britain's largest ever divorce settlement. This will out-rank the existing largest divorce settlement, when a Russian billionaire was ordered to pay his ex-wife £453 million.
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