Russia launches international search for Brit suspected of tax evasion

Russia will launch an international search for William B, a British entrepreneur accused of tax fraud, and employer of deceased lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, the Russian media reported, April 17.

“British investor William Browder, suspected of a major tax evasion fraud in Russia, has been put on an international wanted list,” RT wrote. “A Moscow district court will soon consider his arrest in absentia.”

The suspect allegedly illegally acquired Russian LNG giant Gazprom’s shares, causing the company to lose some RUB 3 bln (USD 98 mln).

William B first came into the spotlight when the Moscow HQ of his investment fund, Hermitage, was raided by the police in 2007. Important documents and company ‘seals’ were reprimanded and subsequently used to reportedly steal USD 230 mln in company funds.

Hermitage hired Russian lawyer Segei Magnitsky, to investigate the crime. He implicated several officials from the Russian Interior Ministry and was promptly arrested, reportedly by the very institution that he had discredited.

Magnisky died in prison in November 2009, after being badly treated and reportedly not given medicine required to get better.

The Russian prosecutor’s office has also accused Magnitsky and William B of tax evasion to the tune of RUB 522 mln (USD 17 mln).