Britain grants Russian ex-banker asylum
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 March 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Britain grants Russian ex-banker asylum, 1 March 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/513dd1d2c.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 01, 2013
Andrei Borodin in a 2006 photo
A former Russian banker accused of fraud has been granted political asylum in Britain.
Announcing the news to Russian media on March 1, former Bank of Moscow head Andrei Borodin said the legal case against him in Russia was politically motivated.
Russian authorities said they would continue to seek Borodin's extradition.
Borodin's lawyer, Dmitry Kharitonov, said he believed his client will not be extradited, adding, "The issue is closed."
There was no immediate word from Britain, where the Home Office does not comment on individual asylum cases.
Borodin fled to London in 2011 to avoid charges stemming from the Bank of Moscow's $14 billion bailout following state-run VTB's takeover.
British authorities denied him political asylum in May 2012, but he filed an appeal.
Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for Borodin at Russia's request.
Based on reporting by AP, ITAR-TASS, Interfax, and BBC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
