Support The Moscow Times!

Fugitive Polonsky's Personal Details on Interpol Website

Polonsky's profile picture, posted on Interpol's wanted list.

Interpol has published on its website a brief profile and a picture of fugitive Russian tycoon Sergei Polonsky, who faces various criminal charges in Russia, Cambodia and Switzerland.

But despite having a string of charges hanging over him, Polonsky seemed like a man without a care in the world as recently as Monday, posting videos on his Livejournal blog of himself bathing in the Indian Ocean in Cambodia and saying, "Everything is excellent!" while a woman sunbathes topless nearby.

Polonsky was put on an international wanted list on Oct.14 on the request of the Russian authorities, who have charged him with stealing more than 5.7 billion rubles ($172 million) from stakeholders in a residential development project implemented by his construction firm Potok, formerly Mirax Group, between 2007 and 2008.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale fraud.

In late August, Polonsky was reported to be staying on his personal island in Cambodia, where, according to some reports, he received citizenship in September. His lawyer later said Cambodia may refuse to extradite him.

Swiss authorities are undertaking a criminal investigation against Polonsky on charges of money laundering, Russian investigators said earlier.

Cambodian authorities are investigating Polonsky over his reported attack on local sailors during New Year celebrations. He was detained in connection with the assault charges between January and April but was released after signing pledge not to leave the country after he paid compensations to the sailors.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

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 you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more