Lithuania releases fugitive Kazakh tycoon's brother-in-law
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 December 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Lithuania releases fugitive Kazakh tycoon's brother-in-law, 18 December 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c42835c.html [accessed 31 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. |
December 18, 2015
A Lithuanian court has released on bail the brother-in-law of fugitive Kazakh tycoon Mukhtar Ablyazov.
The Vilnius District Court ruled on December 18 that Syrym Shalabaev be released on $50,000 bail. It also ruled that his possible extradition to Kazakhstan can be decided after a decision on his request for political asylum is made.
Shalabaev was arrested in Lithuania in July. He is a brother of Alma Shalabaeva, who is the wife of former Kazakh banker and opposition figure Ablyazov.
Ablyazov is currently in French custody fighting against a French court's ruling to extradite him to Russia.
Accused of embezzling some $5 billion when he was head of Kazakhstan's BTA bank, Ablyazov is wanted for embezzlement by Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Investigators say Shalabaev was also involved in the alleged crime.
Ablyazov says the charges against him are politically motivated.
Based on reporting by delfi.lt and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
