Newly unearthed paperwork confirms that an illegal gambling group sponsored overseas vacations of Moscow region's top prosecutors and their families, the Investigative Committee said Wednesday.
Documents obtained after searches at unidentified travel companies showed that Ivan Nazarov, who is suspected of running an illegal gambling ring, paid travel bills of the Moscow region's Prosecutor General, Alexander Mokhov, as well as his subordinates and family members, the committee said, Interfax reported.
Mokhov denied the accusations, saying he has papers to prove that he paid for his trips out of his own pocket.
He also denied reports that he and his deputy Alexander Ignatenko also requested state protection over unspecified death threats.
The Federal Security Service said earlier this week that Moscow region police were also protecting Nazarov's network of gambling halls. Six people, including Nazarov and three local police officers, were placed under arrest this week.
The case was opened after Nazarov's friend, identified only as Volkov, tipped off the officials, the committee said.
Gambling is banned throughout most of Russia. President Dmitry Medvedev called Mayor Sergei Sobyanin in December to step up the crackdown on illegal gambling, though he did not mention the Moscow region.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
