The son of a Russian oligarch has proclaimed that he no longer loves his mother as he prepares to face her in a multi-million-pound legal battle.
Temur Akhmedov arrived in London from Moscow insisting that he had ‘nothing to hide’ and was confident that the ‘truth would emerge’ when he gives evidence next week.
Temur, 27 is being sued by Tatiana Akhmedova over claims that he colluded with his father to prevent her receiving a £453million divorce pay out.
Ms Akhmedova, 52, secured the landmark settlement from her ex-husband Farkhad Akhmedov, 64, an oil and gas tycoon, following the end of their 27-year marriage in 2016. So far, she has only received £5million.
On Wednesday, Temur was criticised at the start of the trial by the Honourable Mrs Justice Knowles for being in Moscow instead of London, where he appeared via video link. He was warned that if he did not return to Britain, he could be imprisoned.
Temur told the court that he could not afford to stay in London because his assets had been frozen by his mother’s legal team, which also prevented him from securing a loan and paying for lawyers.
Temur Akhmedov arrived in London from Moscow insisting that he had ‘nothing to hide’ and was confident that the ‘truth would emerge’ when he gives evidence next week
Temur Akhmedov (left), 27 is being sued by Tatiana Akhmedova (right) over claims that he colluded with his father to prevent her receiving a £453million divorce pay out
The judge then granted him permission to secure a £2million loan, provided he return to London.
Temur revealed that he flew Premium Economy class to London on Aeroflot and that his ticket was purchased from him by a friend.
He told MailOnline: ‘I’m not a criminal and had not fled to Moscow. I am now in London as I promised the court and will leave the country to join my family as soon as I have finished giving evidence.
‘I needed an assurance that no attempt would be made to seize my passport and hold me hostage in Britain. The judge did this and here I am, ready to tell the truth.’
Referring to his mother as Tatiana, he said: ‘She doesn’t deserve to be called mother and I don’t love her anymore.
‘How can you love someone who wants to bring you down? It makes me very sad that I don’t have a mother anymore.
Referring to his mother as Tatiana, Temur told MaiOnline: ‘She doesn’t deserve to be called mother and I don’t love her anymore. How can you love someone who wants to bring you down? It makes me very sad that I don’t have a mother anymore’
Farkhad Akhmedov (pictured), who made his money from oil and gas, claimed he has given Tatiana millions of pounds to pay for her luxurious lifestyle and numerous household staff
‘She’s trying to put me in prison and destroy me. If she was on the streets and needed help, then maybe I could understand what she’s doing. But she’s not. She lives in a £20million house which has £40million worth of art inside it.’
He added: ‘My mother could be having a lovely family life but instead, she’s on her own taking her son to court. It breaks my heart that it’s come to this.’
Ms Akhmedova is trying to reclaim almost £70million directly from Temur, claiming that it was given to him as part of her ex-husbands attempts to put his wealth beyond her reach.
Temur denies colluding with his father, insisting that most of the money was given to him for investment purposes but refused to go into any details until he has given evidence.
![Akhmedova was handed ownership of the couple's £20m Surrey home (pictured) and an art collection worth more than £30m [File photo]](https://i1.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/03/20/35985250-9006211-Akhmedova_was_handed_ownership_of_the_couple_s_20m_Surrey_home_p-a-12_1607027705478.jpg?resize=631%2C377&ssl=1)
Akhmedova was handed ownership of the couple’s £20m Surrey home (pictured) and an art collection worth more than £30m [File photo]
In addition to half of Mr Akhmedov’s billion-pound fortune, assets at stake include a private jet and an Aston Martin (pictured)
Assets at stake include a £115million art collection featuring paintings by Andy Warhol (pictured), Mark Rothko and Damien Hirst
The jewel in the crown for both sides is the Luna, a £350million superyacht that used to belong to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (pictured)
His mother is expected to give evidence on Monday, with Temur taking to the stand once she has finished.
In the run up to the High Court hearing, Ms Akhmedova has launched a number of legal moves against Temur, which led to a raid on his £30million London flat and an order seizing all his emails.
Ms Akhmedova’s costly litigation is being backed by Burford Capital, the law-suit funding firm which has been bankrolling her luxurious lifestyle and stands to earn around 30% of anything that she recovers.
Temur criticised the company, fuming: ‘Burford capital have done more damage to our family than anybody else. They have brainwashed her and are using her like a tool. She’s being manipulated by them and even if she wanted to, is not being allowed to reach a settlement with my father.’
A spokeswoman for Burford Capital refused to comment.