Mukhtar Ablyazov arrested in Nice
Mukhtar Ablyazov was arrested in Nice on Wednesday - his lawyer informed us. Ablyazov is being pursued by the authorities of Kazakhstan and Russia also demands his extradition.
Ablyazov has been accused of embezzlement of BTA bank funds, a bank he used to be in charge of as well as participation in an organised criminal group. He is pursued by Kazakhstan as well as Russia and Ukraine, who cooperate closely with Kazakhstan.
According to ITAR-TASS, Ablyazov was also wanted by Interpol, at the request of Kazakhstan, while Ukraine made a similar request too.
On Wednesday night French police refused to provide any information on Ablyazov’s arrest, reports ITAR-TASS. According to AP’s sources, Ablyazov was arrested by the police and on Thursday he is to appear in court.
Ablyazov’s family is concerned that the authorities of Kazakhstan are using other countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, to bring about his extradition as Moscow has higher chances of success than Almaty, Nazarbayev’s regime has been widely accused of human rights violations - the FT reports.
The family’s lawyer also mentioned another threat, namely that the French justice system might deport Ablyazov, just like authorities in Rome unlawfully deported Alma Shalabayeva - says the FT.
In late May, a special Italian police unit, DIGOS, entered the house in suburban Rome where Alma lived. She was arrested along with her 6-year-old daughter, Alua, and deported to Kazakhstan in record time under accusations of staying in the country illegally. Alma and Alua were transported on a private jet, chartered by Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, Alma was charged with bribing officials and possession of a false passport. In Italy this led to a diplomatic scandal, resulting in opposition calls for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Home Affairs, Angelino Alfano
More about
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31Italian Court Declares Shalabayeva’s Deportation Unlawful
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20Ablyazov on the kidnapping of Alma and Alua
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14France to extradite Ablyazov on Moscow's request. Mediapart about his case.
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14France to extradite Ablyazov on Moscow's request. Mediapart about his case.
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07The list of Kazakh dissidents, their families and colleagues persecuted with the use of INTERPOL in the European Union in 2012-15
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