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Numerous businessmen on the run seek to return to Russia from UK — ombudsman

Early in February, Titov said that President Vladimir Putin had received a list of business people fleeing justice, but sought to leave the UK and return to Russia

YALTA, April 19./TASS/. More than 30 Russian business executives who fled to the UK have applied to return to Russia. Up to five of them may return as soon as this year, Russian Business Ombudsman Boris Titov told TASS on Thursday on the sidelines of the Yalta International Economic Forum.

"Thirty-four appeals from entrepreneurs living abroad are being examined at the present moment," Titov specified.

He said active work is underway as to which entrepreneurs may return to Russia this year. "We, as well as our coordinators in the UK, the United States, Cyprus, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, are keeping in touch with the applicants," the business ombudsman said.

Early in February, Titov said that President Vladimir Putin had received a list of business people fleeing justice, but sought to leave the UK and return to Russia. There were 16 names on the list. According to Titov, the legal cases of these business people can be reviewed. The ombudsman said earlier that he would press for striking off the Interpol lists those entrepreneurs whose guilt had not been proven.

Andrei Kakovkin from the southern city of Rostov-on-Don was the first Russian businessman to return to Russia. He is accused of embezzling 10 million rubles ($164,000) of borrowed funds.

Titov said his office is monitoring the case. "We maintain contacts and provide advice to all applicants to the extent that we are authorized to do," he added.

The 4th Yalta International Economic Forum takes place from April 19 to 21. Its core topic is "Global Future. Future of Russia". TASS is the general information partner and the official photohost agency of the Yalta Forum.