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Prosecutors call to arrest one of Russia’s richest men over alleged alcohol smuggling

Media reports said that the businessman flew to Moscow on Monday and was detained the next day

Dmitry Mikhalchenko Andrei Nikerichev/Agency of urban news Moskva

Dmitry Mikhalchenko

© Andrei Nikerichev/Agency of urban news Moskva

MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. Prosecutors demand the arrest of businessman Dmitry Mikhalchenko, one of Russia’s richest men with the fortune of 18 billion rubles ($266 million), who has been accused of alcohol smuggling, a spokesperson for Moscow’s Basmanny court said on Wednesday.

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"The court has received the request of a prosecutor on choosing a restriction measure as remand in custody for Mikhalchenko," Yunona Tzareva said, adding that the hearing will be held soon.

Media reports said that the businessman flew to Moscow on Monday and was detained the next day.

Mikhalchenko is one of founders and owners of the Forum Holding Company, one of the largest multi-business companies in Russia’s St. Petersburg, which consists of industrial enterprises and implements catering projects.

In November 2015, Mikhalchenko was among St. Petersburg’s best three managers according to Top-100 project. He occupies the 46th place in the 2015 ranking of St. Petersburg’s richest men.

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