Russia to ask Latvia to detain and extradite Rosbalt journalist Shvarev

MOSCOW - Russian investigators have prepared documents for Interpol, asking Latvia to detain and extradite Rosbalt journalist Alexander Shvarev, an anonymous source reported to Interfax news agency.

Shvarev is accused of slander and extortion of more than RUB 3 million (EUR 42,500).

"Investigators have decided to put Shvaren up for international search, including in the territory of Latvia. In the nearest time documents will be sent to Interpol," the source said.

The Russian police earlier charged Shvarov for slandeing Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and extorition of RUB 3 million from Kazakh businesman, chairman of the board of directors of Fincraft Resources, Kenes Rakishev.

Shvarev's lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov is confident that charges ungrounded. He also said that Shvarev at present is receiving medical treatment in Riga.