Federal court again refuses to block Russian corruption inquiry

For the second time in two days, the Swiss Federal Court has rejected an attempt to block investigations into a major money laundering case involving Russia and Switzerland.

The court rebuffed an attempt by Nikolai Glouchkov, the former vice-president of the Russian airline, Aeroflot, to stop details of his bank accounts and a bank box from being handed over to the Russian authorities.

The ruling comes a day after the court rejected a similar move by the Russian business tycoon, Boris Berezovski.

In both cases, the judges criticised Russia’s human rights record, but said there was not enough evidence to support the claimants’ assertions that the Russian investigation breached human rights.

The court decisions come on the eve of a visit to Switzerland by a Russian special investigator, Nikolai Volkov, who will receive hundreds of documents relating to a $700 million (SFr1.16 billion) embezzlement case involving Aeroflot.

Berezovski had attempted to stop Swiss-Russian cooperation over the case, which involves two Swiss-based firms. The tycoon was closely associated with both the companies.

The decision could lead to charges being brought against Berezovski and Glouchkov in Russia.

Berezovski is said to have been behind Glouchkov’s appointment as vice-president of Aeroflot.

swissinfo with agencies