UK Drops Two Allegations Against Russian Banker Fridman
(MENAFN) The National Crime Agency (NCA) of Britain has reportedly ceased investigating two of the three allegations against Mikhail Fridman, a 58-year-old banker, just weeks after he revealed letters of support from prominent Russian opposition activists, including Alexey Navalny's top aides. The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the NCA has dropped the investigation against Fridman for conspiracy to commit perjury and conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, but he is still being investigated for alleged money-laundering.
The decision has been described by the Financial Times as a setback for the NCA's "anti-kleptocracy" unit, which was set up to pursue "Kremlin-linked individuals" and Russians attempting to evade western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. Fridman made his fortune in Russia, investing in various fields such as banking, retail, and oil, before moving to London in 2015. He left Russia shortly after the conflict in Ukraine escalated in February 2022, denying any ties to President Vladimir Putin. However, he was included in the European Union (EU) sanctions list due to his stake in Alfa Bank.
The investigation has been a part of the larger effort to combat corruption and money laundering in the United Kingdom. The NCA's anti-kleptocracy unit has been leading the way in investigating individuals and companies that may be involved in illicit financial activities. The decision to drop the two allegations against Fridman may indicate that there is insufficient evidence to pursue these charges.
The United Kingdom has been cracking down on money laundering and corruption in recent years, with the NCA and other agencies working to identify and prosecute individuals and companies engaged in these activities. While the decision to drop two of the three allegations against Fridman may be a setback for the NCA, it is important to continue the fight against corruption and money laundering to ensure a fair and just financial system for all.
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