MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. London’s policy of sheltering criminals from Russia is politically driven and discredits the British justice system, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"The persons whom the United Kingdom is sheltering on its territory under far-fetched pretexts are accused of gross fraud, large-scale misappropriation, the embezzlement of large and especially large sums, banditry and robbery and even murder," the spokeswoman said.
The damage done to the Russian side and private companies from their activity runs into dozens and hundreds of millions of rubles, to say nothing on encroachments on human life," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
"It is obvious that all this is politically motivated and does not contribute to the favorable image of the British government," she added.
"This also discredits the British system of justice," the spokesperson said.
By doing so, London sends a signal to all who commit crimes across the globe: "Guys, come to us and you’ll be safe and sound here."
"This looks like legalizing crimes," the Russian diplomat said.