Manhattan borough president calls for immediate seizure of Russian oligarch property

Manhattan borough president Mark Levine has said that New York should seize properties belonging to Russian oligarchs, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"For years Manhattan has been one of the most popular safe harbours for Russian oligarchs to park their cash, especially via ultra-high-end apartments,” tweeted Mr Levine. “It’s time to start seizing their properties. #SupportUkraine.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made similar requests. In recent days he’s demanded the seizure of property assets held by allies of Vladimir Putin. Transparency International estimates that oligarchs real estate in the UK capital is estimated to be worth £1.1bn.