Spain seeks extradition of Georgian crime gang boss

Dubai: Spanish judicial authorities have sought the extradition of a top Georgian crime gang leader, Zahar Knyazevich Kalashov, wanted for money laundering and other crimes.

Kalashov was arrested in Dubai on Sunday, agencies reported yesterday. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police chief, confirmed the arrest to Gulf News, saying it happened "upon an arrest warrant issued by Interpol".

Attorney General Essam Eisa Al Humaidan said Dubai Public Prosecution has not been approached yet. "Certain legal procedures have to be applied in extradition processes. We examine the validity of Interpol's report ..." Spain's National Court has begun Kalashov's extradition procedures.

The Georgian gangster, wanted in Spain over money laundering and other charges, was arrested in Dubai, Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, confirmed to Gulf News yesterday.

"He has been arrested in Dubai upon an arrest warrant issued by the Interpol," said Lieutenant General Dahi.

Zahar Knyazevich Kalashov will be repatriated as per normal legal procedures and through proper channels, he said.

Essam Eisa Al Humaidan, Dubai's Attorney General, said: "Eventually, in such cases, the suspect is repatriated according to international conventions or according to mutual extradition agreements, if any exists between the two countries." He said if there are no judicial agreements between the two countries "then reciprocal relations are applied".

"However, before any suspect is extradited, we should look into the validity of the Interpol's report and the Bill of Indictment issued by the other country's public prosecution against the suspect," said Al Humaidan.

A police statement late last night said two Africans have also been arrested on charges of fraud and swindling in other case. They are wanted by Bahraini authorities on charges of swindling 1.4 million Bahraini Dinars. They will be extradited to Bahrain.

- With inputs from agencies