LONDON — British police released grainy photos on Monday of a man suspected of shooting a former Russian banker near London’s Canary Wharf financial district in a case that has raised fears that Russian gangland violence could be spreading to Britain.
Financier German Gorbuntsov, 45, was shot five times as he entered a block of apartments where he lives near the River Thames in the east of the capital on March 20.
He survived the attack but was critically injured and is recovering in the hospital. His condition is described as stable.
London’s police have made no arrests in the case and say they are keeping an open mind about the motive.
The inquiry has so far focused primarily on organized crime connections in Russia, according to unconfirmed British media reports.
Gorbuntsov had been due to give evidence in an investigation into the attempted murder of a former business associate, his lawyer said last month.
More than a month after the shooting, police released grainy security camera images of a man they believe tried to murder Gorbuntsov, who once owned four Russian banks.
The pictures, taken by a surveillance camera moments after the shooting, show a tall white man wearing a dark hooded top and carrying a bag.
Detectives found a gun, bag and hooded top near the scene.
“We are continuing to examine CCTV [closed circuit television] footage from the area and are keen to speak with anyone who may have information about the shooting,” said police detective Russell Taylor, who is leading the investigation.
“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area? Did you see the man in the CCTV stills taking off a dark hooded top or leaving a bag?” he said.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Britain have been tested by a series of disputes involving Russian emigres.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has refused to extradite State Duma Deputy Andrei Lugovoi, who is suspected of murdering former Federal Security Service officer Alexander Litvinenko by putting radioactive polonium in his tea in London.
Lugovoi has denied having any role in Litvinenko’s death. Late last year, Russian investigators said Lugovoi had also become sick in the episode.
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.
