Türkiye extradites Russian citizen accused of $595K fraud

Türkiye has extradited a Russian citizen who was placed on an international wanted list for allegedly embezzling 53 million rubles ($595,650.85) using fraudulent documents, according to a statement by Russian Interior Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk.

Extradition and transfer process

The suspect, who was wanted for large-scale fraud, was handed over to Russian authorities at Istanbul Airport.

“Today, at Istanbul Airport, Turkish law enforcement authorities transferred the individual to officers from the National Central Bureau of Interpol of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The man is accused of large-scale fraud,” Volk stated.

The extradition was coordinated through Interpol channels, ensuring close cooperation between Türkiye and Russian law enforcement agencies.

Fraud allegations and investigation

According to the Russian Interior Ministry, the accused operated in Primorsky Krai between 2016 and 2017, managing multiple commercial organizations.

He reportedly organized the fabrication and submission of fraudulent documents to the Federal Treasury Department in Khabarovsk Krai, falsely claiming completed contractual obligations between entities.

“As a result of these fraudulent actions, more than 53 million rubles were stolen,” Volk said.

A criminal case was opened in February 2019 under Article 159, Part 4 of the Russian Criminal Code, which deals with large-scale fraud.

The suspect fled the country and was subsequently placed on the international wanted list. He was arrested earlier this year in Türkiye before being extradited.

Türkiye’s cooperation with Russia on law enforcement

“Thanks to close cooperation with Turkish law enforcement through Interpol channels, the transfer of the detained individual to the Russian side was successfully coordinated,” Volk said.

The suspect will now face legal proceedings in Russia.