The Russian authorities have rejected Kyiv's request to extradite several Crimean residents accused by the Ukrainian authorities of committing crimes prior to the peninsula's reconnection with Russia, a source familiar with the situation told Interfax.
“A few days ago, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia studied its Ukrainian colleagues’ request seeking the extradition of several citizens to face criminal prosecution. But, in accordance with the constitution of the Russian Federation, they cannot be turned over to another state because they are residents of Crimea and have already been given Russian citizenship,” the source said.
At the same time, Moscow agreed to extradite a resident of one of the Ukrainian regions who faces large-scale misappropriation charges, he said.
“He will be turned over to the Ukrainian side any time soon,” the source said.
“Despite the crisis in bilateral relations sparked by the events in Ukraine, cooperation between [the two countries’] law enforcement agencies, including the Prosecutor Offices, continues as usual,” he said.
