Ex-chiefs of Bank of Moscow face theft charge

By IANS/RIA Novosti,

Moscow : Bank of Moscow's former president Andrei Borodin and his ex-deputy Dmitry Akulinin are facing new embezzlement charges for allegedly pocketing over 6.7 billion rubles ($220 million) from money laundering schemes, the Russian Interior Ministry's investigation department said Wednesday.

According to investigators, the two men allegedly pocketed over 6.7 billion rubles ($220 million) from money laundering schemes.

"According to the investigators' information, in 2008-2011 these individuals abused their office to organise the transfer of at least 7.8 billion rubles from the correspondent account of Bank of Moscow to the accounts of their controlled commercial companies registered in Cyprus," the investigation department said.

Overall, only 1.1 billion rubles were returned to the Bank of Moscow, it added.

As per the investigators, the suspects utilised the remaining amount for their personal expenses.

Borodin and Akulinin have been placed on the Interpol wanted list.

A criminal case was opened against both in late 2010 on charges of fraud involving government funds. They are accused of illegally lending $443 million.

Borodin has fled to London. Akulinin is also believed to have left Russia.