Austria refuses to extradite Bashneft’s ex-CEO Rakhimov to Russia

VIENNA, Mar 9 (PRIME) -- The Regional Criminal Court of Vienna has ruled against extradition of former CEO of Russian oil company Bashneft Ural Rakhimov, Judge Christina Salzborn told PRIME on Wednesday.

“I cannot say whether he will remain in Austria but this time he will not be sent out,” Salzborn said.

Rakhimov, son of former President of the Bashkortostan republic Murtaza Rakhimov, was accused of embezzlement during privatization of Bashkortostan’s oil and gas assets in 90s, now comprising Bashneft. Russia later nationalized a 73.94% stake in Bashneft from multi-industry holding AFK Sistema, which bought the asset from an Ural Rakhimov’s company.

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