LONDON—The British government ratcheted up pressure on Kremlin-linked businesspeople, sanctioning a handful of Russian oligarchs, including Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of British soccer club Chelsea FC.
It was the first time any Western government has moved on Mr. Abramovich. His trophy assets, including Chelsea, high-end property in London and mega yachts, have helped turn him into one of the highest-profile oligarchs now facing scrutiny from officials in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.