TNK-BP mulling options for further action against fmr exec Lazurenko
MOSCOW. Nov 27 (Interfax) - TNK-BP is mulling further action against Igor Lazurenko, its firmer logistics head, after a London court refused to consider a lawsuit.
"In delivering its ruling the court relied on assurances by Lazurenko and his lawyers that he was prepared to return to Russia and answer charges of fraud in a Russian court. TNK-BP welcomes this decision and is considering filing suits in Russia. This is a fairly detailed [London] court ruling and TNK-BP and its lawyers are looking at possible responses and how possible complaints with respect to Mr. Lazurenko will be considered further," a TNK-BP representative told Interfax.
A London court declined to hear the case brought by TNK-BP against Lazurenko, ruling that the suit falls under Russian jurisdiction. Following the court's decision, Lazurenko and his business partners' EUR 39 million account, which had been subject to injunctive measures, was unfrozen.
TNK-BP also filed suit against Lazurenko with the Arkansas District Court a suit against the company Roychamp Trading LLC, which, in TNK-BP's view, was associated with Lazurenko.
Lazurenko, who and the end of April or beginning of May departed Russia, accuses TNK-BP Executive Director and co-owner German Khan of corruption involving highly placed Russian officials. TNK-BP called this charge "naked blackmail" and said there was no proof.