Mabetex, the construction company implicated in a Kremlin corruption scandal, has announced plans to pull out of Switzerland. The announcement was made by the group's controversial chief, Behgjet Pacolli (picture).

Mabetex, the construction company implicated in a Kremlin corruption scandal, has announced plans to pull out of Switzerland. The group's controversial chief, Behgjet Pacolli (picture), cited poor treatment and difficult working conditions as the reasons for his move.

Pacolli said he would remain in canton Ticino with one or two collaborators, while his company moved to a country in the European Union. He is married to an Italian singer who shares his ethnic Albanian roots and Italy is among his likely favourite destinations.

Mabetex is best-known as the construction company which beat off strong international challenge to win lucrative contracts to refurbish government buildings in Russia. It is currently under investigation following allegations that Pacolli bribed Kremlin officials to win the contracts.

But the group also owns hotels, airline companies and factories. Pacolli says it employs around 600 people.

The announcement by Mabetex is the latest blow to the economy in canton Ticino following a string of bankruptices. Mabetex itself has reported financial problems linked to delays in payments from clients in Russia.

From staff and wire reports

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative