VILNIUS – Controversial Russian-born businessman Yuri Borisov was denied a residency permit by the migration department on Wednesday in a decision that will most likely result in his expulsion from Lithuanian territory.
Echoing an earlier conclusion made by the State Security Department, migration department officials informed the Interior Ministry their decision was based on the view that Borisov posed a threat to national security.
Having been denied the permit, Borisov, who was stripped of his Lithuanian citizenship in January by a ruling of the Constitutional Court, will face a final challenge in the Vilnius District Administrative Court, which has been asked by the migration department to order his deportation.
Borisov gained significant national and international attention last autumn when it was speculated that he had struck a clandestine deal with impeached President Rolandas Paksas to receive special favors in exchange for financing for Paksas' successful presidential campaign.
Paksas declared his intention to make Borisov, who speaks no Lithuanian, a presidential adviser in March only to retract his offer the same day when he came under harsh criticism from both the media and his own circle of supporters.
If deported, Borisov will be faced to leave behind his Avia Baltika helicopter repair and maintenance business as well as a luxury compound he has built near Trakai.
