(AP) – Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko on Nov. 11 said Russian authorities have refused to detain and extradite former officials wanted on international arrest warrants, the news agency UNIAN reported.
“The Russian Federation openly declines to carry out the extradition of persons who have Interpol red cards (warrants),” said Lutsenko.
Many Ukrainian former officials suspected of committing crimes under the 10-year rule of former President Leonid Kuchma are believed to have sought refuge in Russia to avoid arrest. Since taking office this year, President Viktor Yushchenko has pledged to root out the corruption, nepotism and links with organized crime that were rampant under Kuchma.
In June Ihor Bakay, wanted in connection with the loss of state funds, was detained in Moscow, then freed. Lutsenko at the time demanded an explanation, but received no answer from Russia. Under Kuchma, Bakay headed a powerful department responsible for state property.
Ex-Interior Minister Mykola Bylokon and former Odessa mayor Ruslan Bodelan, wanted by Ukrainian investigators, are also believed to have moved to Russia.
