Yves Bouvier, a Geneva-based art dealer, is at war with Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Russian oligarch. The latter accuses Bouvier of enriching himself at his expense by massively overcharging him for dozens of Old Master paintings. He is said to have pocketed more than one billion Swiss francs in this way. Testimonies from people close to Rybolovlev and from art market experts are troubling… Who is telling the truth?
Starting from the management of the Geneva Freeport, Yves Bouvier became the world’s largest art dealer. At the same time, Dmitry Rybolovlev saw his life turned upside down by a bitter divorce, during which he discovered Bouvier’s hidden markups. The friendship between the two men collapsed, and the oligarch began preparing a ruthless legal battle.
The conflict between Bouvier and Rybolovlev reaches epic proportions. Corruption and scandal are among the weapons used, even throwing the Monegasque government—where Rybolovlev is a resident—into turmoil. This merciless war has repercussions not only for the two adversaries, but also for the political and financial integrity of the Western world.