Athens, 23 August 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Former Russian media tycoon Vladimir Gusinskii was arrested in Athens today on an international warrant issued by Interpol. Police said Gusinksii, who arrived in Athens on a flight from Tel Aviv, is wanted by Russian authorities for fraud allegedly amounting to some $250 million.
Gusinskii is the former owner of Russia's NTV television network and head of the powerful Media-MOST company, and his media outlets were critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Chechnya. Gusinskii says the fraud charges are politically motivated.
Gusinskii was arrested two years ago at his home in Spain and held in detention while Russian authorities sought his extradition. But Spanish officials released him after reviewing the charges against him.
Gusinskii is the former owner of Russia's NTV television network and head of the powerful Media-MOST company, and his media outlets were critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Chechnya. Gusinskii says the fraud charges are politically motivated.
Gusinskii was arrested two years ago at his home in Spain and held in detention while Russian authorities sought his extradition. But Spanish officials released him after reviewing the charges against him.