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Former Ukraine Finance Minister Arrested On Spanish Coast


Yuriy Kolobov in October 2013
Yuriy Kolobov in October 2013

Spanish media reports say police have arrested former Ukrainian Finance Minister Yuriy Kolobov, missing since August 2014 and wanted for embezzlement and financial wrongdoing under an Interpol arrest warrant.

The reports said Kolobov was arrested in a flat in the holiday town of Altea on Spain's eastern coast on March 4.

Kolobov was a member of the government of former President Viktor Yanukovych ousted in February 2014 after violent street protests.

Interpol had put Kolobov, Yanukovych, and another former member of the government on the international wanted list at the request of Ukraine's new authorities earlier this year on accusations of embezzling and financial wrongdoing.

Spanish media reported Kolobov will be brought before a judge at Spain's High Court for questioning and the judge will decide how to proceed with an extradition to Ukraine.

Spain's Interior Ministry declined to comment.

Based on reporting by Reuters and BBC

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