Suspecting that Communist Party lawmaker Denis Voronenkov played a key role in orchestrating a 127 million ruble ($2.3 million) real estate fraud scheme, Russia's Investigative Committee has asked the State Duma to deprive the deputy of his legal immunity, according to a statement released Monday.
The investigators accused Voronenkov of having organized the scheme at the center of an ongoing fraud case. "The investigation revealed that a group of people, which included two former law enforcement officers, realtors and other partners, between 2010 and 2011 committed criminal acts, as a result of which [the victim] was deprived his ownership rights and 100 percent of [his company's] authorized capital. In addition, through forged documents, the accomplices stole a building worth 127 million rubles, which also belonged to the organization," the statement read.
According to the statement, six members of the group have already been accused of fraud and sentenced by a court. Another is currently standing trial, and two others have been accused of their involvement in the case.
The Investigative Committee has filed the relevant application with the State Duma seeking to strip Voronenkov's immunity, with a view to launching a criminal case against him.
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.
