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Russia files charges against over 520 mercenaries from 44 countries

The department also noted that 39 people were put on the international wanted list, while 16 defendants were taken into custody in absentia

MOSCOW, November 16. /TASS/. The Russian Investigative Committee (IC) is prosecuting 523 foreign mercenaries from 44 countries taking part in the fighting in Ukraine, the press service of the Russian IC has reported.

"Currently, criminal prosecution is being carried out against 523 foreigners from 44 states. Citizens of Belgium, Great Britain, Georgia, Israel, Latvia, the US, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Lithuania and other countries are charged under part 3 of article 359 of the Russian Criminal Code (mercenarism) in absentia," stated the message.

The department also noted that 39 people were put on the international wanted list, while 16 defendants were taken into custody in absentia.

"The head of the agency demanded that work in this area be expedited, emphasizing the importance of sending such criminal cases to court and sentencing the perpetrators," the press service said.

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