Former Prime Minister Tanaev (file photo)
6 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyzstan's acting prosecutor-general today said he has issued an international arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Nikolai Tanaev, whom he accused of illegally transferring state funds to a private business run by his son.
Prosecutor-General Azimbek Beknazarov said he believes Tanaev is hiding in Russia, and that a request for his extradition had been sent to Moscow.
Beknazarov said Tanaev is alleged to have transferred 40 million soms (about $1 million) to a private construction company owned by his son.
"We issued the [international arrest] warrant. [Former prime minister] Nikolai Tanaev transferred 40 million soms from the Social Fund though a private company run by his son," Beknazarov said. "He transferred [the funds for] pensions and benefits to the other [third] side by [his] own decision. The board of the government [a council of ministers] should have approved it. We found that the board didn't approve it. He [Tanaev] signed it [the decision about the transfer of the money] himself [without members of board]."
Tanaev could face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Last week, Beknazarov announced that he had issued international arrest warrants for about 10 people, but gave few details.
Beknazarov said Tanaev is alleged to have transferred 40 million soms (about $1 million) to a private construction company owned by his son.
"We issued the [international arrest] warrant. [Former prime minister] Nikolai Tanaev transferred 40 million soms from the Social Fund though a private company run by his son," Beknazarov said. "He transferred [the funds for] pensions and benefits to the other [third] side by [his] own decision. The board of the government [a council of ministers] should have approved it. We found that the board didn't approve it. He [Tanaev] signed it [the decision about the transfer of the money] himself [without members of board]."
Tanaev could face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Last week, Beknazarov announced that he had issued international arrest warrants for about 10 people, but gave few details.