A spokesman for Prokhorov's investment vehicle Onexim explained: "Given the difficult economic period, one of the main social responsibilities of a business is to pay its taxes in full, and it would seem proper to pay them where the main sources of income are. For Prokhorov, one of his main assets is Polyus Gold."

Prokhorov had previously been registered in Moscow.

He stepped down as head of Norilsk Nickel two years ago after a scandal involving alleged prostitutes in France's Courchevel ski resort. However, he was never charged over the incident.