You're reading: Interpol puts ex-governor of Kharkiv region Avakov on wanted list

The former head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Arsen Avakov, who is accused of illegally transferring land, has been put on the international wanted list of the Interpol, the head of the prosecutor's office in Kharkiv region, Oleksandr Babykov, has said, according to the press service of the Prosecutor's Office in Kharkiv region.

According to the official, Chervonozavodsky District Court of Kharkiv considered an appeal filed by Avakov’s defense lawyer against the opening of the criminal case against his client. The court decided that the criminal case was opened legally.

The investigation into the criminal case is in progress and the prosecutor’s office is requesting and examining the necessary documents.

As reported, on March 20, 2012 Chervonozavodsky court refused to cancel an instruction on the opening of the criminal case against Avakov. He is accused of illegally transferring 55 hectares of land near Pisochyn (Kharkiv region).

On January 31, charges were brought against Avakov under Part 3, Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Avakov headed Kharkiv Regional State Administration from February 2004 until February 2010. He chairs Kharkiv regional organization of the Batkivschyna Party.