Vladimir Ashurkov received asylum in the UK

Former top manager of Alfa Group and former executive director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation Vladimir Ashurkov received political asylum in the UK. Ashurkov himself told Vedomosti about this.

He said that the Home Office department of the British government, which is also responsible for immigration control, made a positive decision on his appeal. In an interview with RBC, Ashurkov clarified that the application was approved at the end of last week.

The basis for obtaining asylum in the UK was the threat of unfounded persecution for political reasons. We are talking about the case against supporters of politician Alexei Navalny - Ashurkov, Konstantin Yankauskas and Nikolai Lyaskin, accused of embezzling funds during the mayoral election campaign.

Since Ashurkov received asylum, he surrendered his Russian passport. The new status will protect him from extradition to Russia through Interpol.

Ashurkov added that his wife Alexandrina Markvo, accused of fraud in Russia, also turned to the British authorities with a request for political asylum.

An associate of Alexei Navalny said that he continues to work with the Anti-Corruption Foundation and the Progress Party; Ashurkov remains a member of the party’s Central Council. According to him, he is now updating the party program.

In mid-February, a Russian court arrested Alexandrina Markvo in absentia on charges of fraud. Investigators claim that in 2012, “Bureau 17” Markvo stole budget funds when organizing the “Books in the Parks” project, which took place in Moscow parks.

Ashurkov asked the British authorities for political asylum in October last year. Before this, he was put on the federal wanted list in Russia. The media reported that Ashurkov was charged in absentia.

Let us remind you that two other defendants in the case of embezzlement of funds from Navalny’s election campaign remain in Russia as accused. Yankauskas is under house arrest, Lyaskin is under recognizance not to leave. Let us note that Navalny did not announce the theft of funds from the election fund.