Former Russian Minister of Communications and Mass Media Nikolay Nikiforov may be in Cyprus, according to a report by Russian newspaper Vechernyaya Kazan, which cited an unnamed source.
There has been no official confirmation so far from either Cypriot or Russian authorities that Nikiforov is in the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the report, the former minister has been placed on Russia’s federal wanted list, while authorities are also considering whether an international arrest warrant should be issued.
Finiko investigation
Suspicions about Nikiforov’s possible involvement in the case emerged following the arrest of designer and architect Azat Tukvatulin, a well-known figure in Tatarstan.
Russian security forces searched Tukvatulin’s home in the city of Innopolis at the end of August. Several days later, Russian media reported that Nikiforov was also being investigated as a suspect in the same case, although authorities had been unable to locate and arrest him.
Report suggests move to Cyprus
According to preliminary information cited by Vechernyaya Kazan, Nikiforov had been living in the United Arab Emirates in recent years and travelled periodically to Russia.
The report claims that, after Russian law enforcement authorities began showing interest in him, he may have moved to Cyprus.
However, it provides no details on when he may have arrived on the island, where he may be staying or whether any official efforts have been made to locate him in Cyprus.
Finiko alleged financial pyramid
Finiko was presented as an investment scheme promising high returns, but Russian authorities describe it as a financial pyramid scheme.
The main investigation is being conducted in Moscow by the relevant investigative department of Russia’s Interior Ministry.
According to the Russian report, the total damage may exceed five billion roubles, while the number of alleged victims is estimated to be more than 8,000.
Part of the case is being heard by a court in Kazan, involving defendants allegedly linked to Finiko’s founders. Proceedings are currently at the stage of hearing evidence from victims and witnesses.
Who is Nikolay Nikiforov?
Nikolay Nikiforov was born in Kazan and studied economics at Kazan State University.
In 2005, he was appointed an adviser to the Prime Minister of Tatarstan on technology issues and joined a working group focused on developing e-government.
In 2010, he became Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan and Minister of Information and Communications.
In May 2012, Nikiforov was appointed Russia’s Minister of Communications and Mass Media, becoming the youngest minister in the country’s history at the time. He left the position in 2018.
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