Russia Seeks Extradition of Former Yukos Accountant From U.K.

THE Russian government is seeking the extradition of Yukos Oil Co.'s former deputy chief accountant from the U.K. on allegations he conspired with others to defraud the state of 76 billion rubles ($2.6 billion) by failing to deliver oil, the Bloomberg news agency reported on Friday.

Dimitry Maruev, 39, and Natalia Chernysheva, 40, previously head of the unit at Menatep Bank bidding for state companies to be privatized, deny the allegations. They are contesting the extradition, which is being heard at Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London.

The allegations expand the Russian government's case against Yukos, which has so far centered on demands for $7.5 billion in back taxes and fines. Yukos spokesman Alexander Shadrin declined to comment.

The two are accused of conspiring in 1997 to obtain 76 billion rubles from the regional administration of Volgograd with a false contract to supply oil products, the court and Crown Prosecution Service said. They are also accused of working with former Yukos Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Khodorkovsky (far left, in jail) to defraud the Russian government.

Chernysheva also faces an allegation that she, as well as others including Khodorkovsky, defrauded the property foundation in Murmansk over the acquisition of shares in Apatit, a state company being sold by the state, the CPS said.

The two, who have not been charged, appeared today at the court in central London for a preliminary hearing. They have surrendered their passports to the police and are on conditional bail. The next hearing will be held Dec. 10.

Khodorkovsky, 41, was arrested Oct. 25, 2003. Once Russia's richest man, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

John Hardy QC is representing the Russian government, while Edward Fitzgerald QC and law firm Corker Binning are acting for Chernysheva. James Eadie and law firm Peters and Peters are representing Maruev.

 

 

 ... on the, ahem, oligarchs

 

Moscow whistleblower Pavel Klebnikov, Editor who unmasked super-rich of Russia is shot dead in Moscow Whistleblower Pavel Klebnikov whacked in Moscow: Oligarchs suspected | Berezovsky sneers that victim 'was like a bull in a china shop' | Shooting of editor may be revenge for delving into Russia's rich | Yukos shares dive on market fears

Forbes magazine: Forbes Russia editor murdered in Moscow

Khodorkovsky: From billionaire to cage in court

 

Our dossier on the life and troubled times of the Russian "oligarchs"

Our dossier on the origins of anti-Semitism