I believe Berezovsky’s claim that Abramovich stripped him of his share of Sibneft was not without merit. Unfortunately for him, Berezovsky could only prove that his informal control over Sibneft was as close to ownership as was possible in the 1990s by calling credible witnesses who had moved in the same circles as he and Abramovich – and none was available.
Likewise, you’re going to need some witnesses to attribute the $40 bln in Swiss accounts to the Russian dictator. None may be required to freeze them under the sanctions regime but in order to convince the general public, especially in Russia (if that’s possible at all), there should be independent confirmation. I’m skeptical that it’s forthcoming.