Khodorkovsky granted residence permit in Switzerland
Mikhail Khodorkovsky following his release from prison.
Russian former-oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was unexpectedly pardoned and released from jail Dec. 20, last year, has obtained a residence permit in Switzerland, the Russian daily media Lenta.ru wrote, citing the Federal Migration Office, March 30.
“Khodorkovsky obtained a residence permit in Switzerland on March 27. The businessman chose St. Gallen canton, because his wife with children already live there,” according to a federal migration officer.
He chose this canton also because of “favorable tax regime,” the officer told the media.
Khodorkovsky fled to Europe immediately after his release. He also said that he does not plan to return to Russia unless he is guaranteed the freedom to travel abroad and the authorities drop old lawsuits against him, the media wrote.
The 50-year-old, once Russia’s richest businessman, spent 10 years in jail after the court found him guilty in two criminal cases involving embezzlement and tax evasion.
Photo courtesy of Mitya Aleshkovskiy
