Poland refuses to extradite to Russia fugitive banker because of his membership with Jehovah's Witnesses
Belsky Regional Court (Poland) refused to extradite Probusinessbank's former Vice-President Yaroslav Alekseev, reports TVP news outlet.
The court ruled that Alekseev's extradition to Russia is "legally inadmissible" under Polish and international law. Judge Teresa Jędrzejas noted that it is also a possible violation of the rights of the accused in his homeland. According to human rights activists, detainees in Russia are subjected to torture and humiliation. She noted that Alekseev is a member of the religious organization Jehovah's Witnesses, which is recognized as extremist in Russia.
The court's decision has not yet entered into force. "I'm happy, and I am so grateful," said former Vice-President after leaving the courtroom, reports TASS news agency.
Alekseev was detained in Poland on February 2019 after being put on the international wanted list. He was arrested but later released on bail and his recognizance.
In 2017, the former banker was convicted in absentia by the decision of the Basmanny District court in Moscow. A criminal case was opened against him on charges of gross embezzlement as part of a criminal group. According to investigators, in 2014 Alekseev joined the organized criminal group, formed by the Chairman of the Board of the Bank Alexander Zheleznyak and Bank President Sergey Leontiev to steal money. During 2014-2015, the suspects allegedly illegally embezzled and transferred abroad 2.4 billion rubles ($37.5 million), providing loans to fictitious companies. It is assumed that the actions of the suspects created a financial hole in the bank of almost 70 billion rubles ($1.09 billion).
One of the persons involved in this case was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. Leontiev and Zheleznyak are also arrested in absentia, but now they are abroad.