Prince Andrew accused in ‘£4m Kazakhstan fixer’ storm
Royal claimed to have tried to kickstart £385m re-generation project but Palace deny allegations about his involvement
PRINCE Andrew acted as a “fixer” for a business deal in Kazakhstan, leaked emails are claimed to reveal.
The Queen’s second son was allegedly in line for up to £4million in commission from a deal in the oil-rich country, The Daily Mail reports.
It is claimed that he used his royal title and connections to kickstart the £385million venture on behalf of Greek and Swiss clients.
It is understood the dealings took place while he was also working as a special trade envoy for Britain.
Anti-monarchy campaigners have called for an inquiry.
The claims may explain how Andrew, 56, pays for his jetset lifestyle without any obvious form of income and just a small navy pension and allowance from the Queen.
The Daily Mail claims the leaked emails show that in April 2011 the Prince used his relationship with Kazakh oligarch Kenges Rakishev to help a Greek utility firm and a Swiss finance house bid for contracts.
The Duke of York called and then emailed Mr Rakishev asking for help for the two firms: Aras Capital, from Zurich, and EYDAP, Greece’s largest water firm, it is alleged.
The companies wanted to build water and sewage networks in two of Kazakhstan’s largest cities and had turned to the royal for help.
Meetings were set up and Andrew was to be offered a commission fee of one per cent — or around £3.83million, a source at the water firm has revealed.
However, the deal fell apart when, in late 2011, Kazakh police opened fire on striking oil workers in the city of Zhanaozen, killing 14 and EYDAP pulled out.
Kazakhstan is home to Sacha Baron Cohen’s popular mankini-wearing reporter character Borat.
The prince became UK special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.
He was to promote UK business interests abroad but was accused of cashing in on links with oil-rich trading partners.
He announced he was stepping down in 2011 following criticism over his friendship with controversial figures, including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A royal spokesman said last night: “Claims that the Duke of York acted as a so-called fixer for an international consortium and stood to benefit from a potential contract in Kazakhstan are untrue.”
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