Azerbaijani businessman and community representative detained in Kuban

Shahlar Novruzov, a representative of the Azerbaijani community in Kuban, has been detained, RBC reports, citing the press service of the Krasnodar courts. Novruzov is accused of attempting to embezzle real estate shares valued at approximately 919 million rubles.

According to Kommersant, 60-year-old Novruzov heads the Old Baku and Dar Fruit café companies in Kuban and owns a cargo terminal in the city of Tuapse.

Investigators state that Novruzov attempted to seize 100% of the company’s shares, which control real estate worth about 919.4 million rubles, and submitted a fraudulent marriage certificate to the court.

Despite the defense lawyer’s request to ease the detention, the court decided to keep Novruzov in custody until Sept. 26. Investigators argue that he has connections within law enforcement and judicial bodies and could potentially evade the authorities.