A criminal case of money laundering has been initiated in the Russian Federation against a former high-ranking official of the Primorsky Territory administration.

The Investigative Bodies of Primorsky Territory of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation initiated criminal proceedings against the former First Vice-Governor of Primorsky Territory, as well as against the general director of a commercial organization. Depending on the role of each of them, they are suspected of committing the crimes under paragraph "b" of part 4 of Art. 174.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (legalization (laundering) of money acquired by a person as a result of his commission of a crime committed on an especially large scale), and paragraph "b" of part 4 of article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (legalization (laundering) of money acquired by other persons by criminal means, committed on an especially large scale).

According to the investigation, the former First Vice-Governor of Primorsky Territory, contrary to the prohibition established by law, illegally participated in the business activities of two commercial organizations. As a result of such participation, the suspect received funds, which he disposed of at his discretion.  In order to conceal his criminal income, the suspect transferred, through the persons under his control, funds in the amount of over 143.5 million rubles as an interest loan to the account of the commercial organization. In turn, the general director of the commercial organization concluded interest loan agreements and other agreements in order to give a legal form to the possession, use and disposal of the above funds.

Thus, the monetary funds acquired as a result of the crime were legalized.

At present, the investigation of the criminal case will continue, and investigative actions are being carried out to clarify all the circumstances of crime.

The Investigative Department of Primorsky Territory of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation