The United States asks Ukraine to extradite an individual accused of fraud with American aid for Syria
According to court submissions, the United States asks Ukraine to extradite Ernest Khalilov, a citizen of Turkmenistan, who was detained on suspicion of theft while delivering humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey, Ukrainski Novyny reported.
Khalilov was detained by Ukrainian law enforcement officers at the end of October 2018 at the airport Borispol (Kyiv) when boarding the flight Kyiv – Istanbul. He was detained as a result Interpol warrant which was initiated by the United States. In June 2018, the US Federal district court for the District of Columbia issued a warrant for the arrest of Khalilov.
According to this court order, as a representative of Irish non-governmental organization GOAL, Khalilov collaborated with the U.S. Agency for international development (USAID). American law enforcement authorities accuse him of fraud using USAID money for the procurement of food for Syrian refugees in Turkey. In particular, Khalilov is charged with favoring certain companies providing diring the agency tenders in exchange for material rewards from them.
According to the indictment in the United States, the suspect is accused on 4 counts: bribery by a representative of the program that receives Federal funds, exerting pressure on witnesses, aiding and abetting the crime.
He was arrested in Ukraine. The prosecutor’s office is currently conducting an extradition check.
“With Note No. 479, the US Embassy appealed to the competent authorities of Ukraine requesting Khalilov’s extradition. At the same time, the Embassy has provided a written guarantee to receive and consider any future extradition requests by Ukraine on a reciprocal basis,” the court materials read.
The United States also asked the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and the courts not to release Khalilov from custody and not to apply a preventive measure to him in the form of bail.