Accessibility links

Breaking News

Fugitive Kazakh Tycoon's Brother-in-Law Detained In Lithuania


Fugitive Kazakh tycoon Mukhtar Ablyazov's brother-in-law, Syrym Shalabaev, has been detained in Vilnius.

Media in Lithuania quoted the chief of the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Rolandas Kiskis, as saying that Shalabaev was detained on July 28 and his possible arrest and extradition will be decided by a court.

Shalabaev is a brother of Alma Shalabaeva, who is the wife of former Kazakh banker and opposition figure Ablyazov.

Ablyazov is currently in French custody fighting a French court's ruling to extradite him to Russia.

Accused of embezzling some $5 billion when he was head of Kazakhstan's BTA bank, Ablyazov is wanted for embezzlement by Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine.

Ablyazov says the charges against him are politically motivated.

Kazakh investigators say Shalabaev was involved in Ablyazov's alleged illegal financial activities. In 2011, London's High Court sentenced Shalabaev in absentia to 18 months in jail for contempt of court.

Ablyazov's wife, Alma Shalabaeva, and their daughter were granted refugee status in Italy last year.

Based on reporting by Delfi.lt and Interfax

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG