UPDATE: Investigative Committee puts Mints on wanted list

(Adds comments by lawyer in last 4 paragraphs)

MOSCOW, Jan 30 (PRIME) -- Russia’s Investigative Committee has put Boris Mints, former co-owner of Otkritie group, on wanted list over an embezzlement case, Irina Morozova, press secretary of the Basmanny District Court of Moscow, told PRIME on Thursday.

“The court received a petition from the investigation to take a preventive measure in the form of detention in absentia. The petition will be considered on January 31 (Friday),” Morozova said.

Mints may face up to 10 years in prison.

Business daily Vedomosti reported in May 2018 that Mints and his family fled to London due to problems in business.

Mints’ lawyer Fyodor Kupriyanov told PRIME that Mints does not admit guilt in the case of embezzlement of 30 billion rubles.

“They do not admit guilt, they believe that this criminal case is illegal and is aimed at taking possession of their property and business,” Kupriyanov said while talking about Mints and his sons.

He also said the arrest in absentia demanded by the investigation is illegal.

“Arrest over economic cases is prohibited, and they are entrepreneurs who are accused of economic charges,” Kupriyanov said.

(62.3934 rubles – U.S. $1)

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