Partner and Head of White Collar Crime & Investigations, Chris Roberts, has provided comment in Law360 on the news that Hauser & Wirth, the art gallery of which Princess Eugenie is a director, has been cleared of breaching sanctions over the sale of artwork.

Chris highlighted what the case may mean for future prosecutions, commenting: “HMRC’s prosecution failed on what would appear to be a basic point – it was not proven the art buyer was a person connected with Russia. It does however demonstrate the complexity around what appear to be even basic issues when it comes to sanctions law.

“Whilst the charges against the art gallery were dismissed, the fact HMRC brought the prosecution demonstrates the Government’s desire to ensure that the art market knows it is under the spotlight – participants know they must take their sanctions compliance obligations seriously.”

Chris’ commentary was published in Law360, 13 July 2026.