Interfax News Agency, Russia
Former Senator Chakhmakhchian to stay in custody (Part 2)
MOSCOW March 13
The Russian Supreme Court has upheld the custody of former Kalmykia
Senator Levon Chakhmakhchian, who is charged with fraud, lawyer
Valentina Sizova told Interfax.
"The Moscow City Court earlier extended his custody until April 15,"
she said.
The lawyers asked the court to announce the judgment as illegal and
release the ex-senator from custody. The Supreme Court heard the case
via video hookup.
"Ex-senator Chakhmakhchian, Audit Chamber inspector Armen Oganesian
(Chakhmakhchian’s son-in-law) and chief accountant of the Russian-
Armenian Business Cooperation Association (chaired by Chakhmakhchian)
Igor Arushanov were charged with stealing $1.5 million from Transaero
Airline," a source at the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office said
earlier.
The Federal Security Service apprehended the suspects while they were
receiving the money.