Russian billionaire Aleksei Kuzmichyov, one of the founders of the financial firm Alfa Group, has been charged with tax fraud in France, French authorities said on November 1. Kuzmichyov, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was "placed under judicial supervision" and banned from leaving the country, according to the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF). He also faces charges of concealing work with an organized crime group and suspicion of money laundering. Kuzmichyov was obliged to pay a bond of 8 million euros ($8.5 million). His lawyer refused to comment, according to AFP.
