Russia sends enquiry on Baumgertner's extradition to Belarus
Russia's Office of Prosecutor General seeks extradition for arrested Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgartner.
RIA Novosti reports that the Office of Prosecutor General in Belarus received the enquiry from Russian prosecutors two weeks ago.
The Investigatory Committee of Russia confirmed on Tuesday that Vladislav Baumgertner has been officially charged in absentia under the article in the Penal Code that deals with "abuse of official powers that led to complicated consequences" The charges were brought in absentia back on October 16.
Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner was detained on August 26 in the Minsk airport after meeting Belarus' Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich. The Investigatory Committee of Belarus stated that the Uralkali head caused damage to the national interests of Belarus. Baumgertner is charged with power abuse. He faces up to 10 years in prison and property confiscation, if convicted. The Investigatory Committee said the damage was estimated at $100 million.
Baumgertner spent a month in a KGB prison in Minsk and then he was transferred to house arrest in Minsk. The materials of his case forwarded to Russia made 19 volumes.
Photo: ria.ru
