A criminal case brought against former Moscow metro chief Dmitry Gayev for abuse of authority that cost the city budget 112 million rubles ($3.8 million) was closed, Gayev's lawyer Alexander Asnis told RIA-Novosti on Monday.
"I just informed Dmitry Vladimirovich [Gayev] about the news. He said he is happy and very grateful for the investigation because they have sorted out the matter and proven his complete innocence. In general, he has been sure from the very beginning that they would be able to prove his innocence," Asnis said.
Asnis said the criminal investigation was not a factor in his client's decision to remain abroad, which Asnis said was the result of Gayev's continuing to receive medical treatment.
Gayev, 61, resigned from his position in February 2011. He was informed that the criminal investigation was being opened from media reports while he was in the hospital recovering from two operations over a month later.
Gayev was accused of running a scheme in which he claimed royalties earned through intellectual rights for innovations created by metro engineers and suppliers, as well as misspending 3.3 billion rubles between 2008 and 2010. The charge against Gayev carried a sentence of up to four years in prison.
The former metro head was an official from Yury Luzhkov's tenor as mayor, and his ouster was seen as part of a political shake-up by newly appointed Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
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.
