Russian oligarch Kuzmichev detained in France in laundering, sanctions probe
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Russian oligarch Kuzmichev detained in France in laundering, sanctions probe
PARIS (Reuters) - Russian tycoon Alexey Kuzmichev has been detained for questioning in France in connection with alleged tax evasion and money laundering and for violating international sanctions, the French Financial Prosecutors’ office said on Tuesday.
Searches took place on Monday at Kuzmichev's Paris home and in the Mediterranean Var region as part of the investigation, the office said, confirming a report in French daily Le Monde.
Kuzmichev was still being detained on Tuesday but has not yet been charged in the case.
Philippe Blanchetier, a lawyer for Kuzmichev, declined to comment.
Russia will be able to defend Kuzmichev's rights once Paris provides detailed information about his case, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"As far as I understand, he is a citizen of the Russian Federation so we should receive information about the detention through our diplomatic mission," Peskov told reporters.
"Once we receive the information, and if the detainee so wishes, we will of course assist in protecting his rights as a Russian citizen."
French customs agents last year seized the oligarch's 27-meter yacht "La Petite Ourse", as part of sanctions by the European Union for his ties to President Vladimir Putin. The move sparked a legal battle between authorities and Kuzmichev, who used to be one of the main shareholders of Russia's Alfa Bank.
