MOSCOW, October 15 (RAPSI) – Detained Zaur Mardanov, a nephew of Russian businessman Telman Ismailov and ex-manager of Moscow's famous Prague Restaurant, has been granted a 10-million-ruble bail ($152,000), RAPSI has learnt in the Moscow City Court’s press service.  

If the bail is not paid, Mardanov charged with kidnapping of pop singer Avraam Russo will stay detained until November 17, the court ruling reads.

In September, Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ordered detention for Mardanov and ex-driver of Ismailov Vladimir Gusakov as part of the case.

Investigators believe that in 2004 Mardanov along with five accomplices kidnapped Russo and brought him to Ismailov’s cottage in Moscow Region to conduct work negotiations. According to case papers, slight injuries were inflicted on the singer’s health.

Ismailov denies involvement in the crime, his attorney Maria Rusakova has told RAPSI.

Currently, the businessman is on the international wanted list. In March 2017, Ismailov was declared bankrupt. In December 2017, he was charged in absentia with murder and illegal arms trafficking.  The businessman could face life imprisonment if convicted.

According to investigators, Ismailov organized the murder of businessman Vladimir Savkin and founder of Lublino-Motors auto service centre Yury Brylev in May 2016. In preparing the crime Ismailov, investigators believe, was assisted by his brothers Rafik and Vagif Ismailovs, whereas the murder was allegedly committed by Mekhman Kerimov, who pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 13 years in high security prison in spring. Rafik Ismailov has been placed in detention, Telman and Vagif Ismailovs have been arrested in absentia by a court decision.

Telman Ismailov, who controls AST Group, is one of Russia’s richest men. In 2009, he clashed with law enforcement authorities over the Cherkizovsky outdoor market, which evolved from a mere flea market into an industrial-scale distribution hub for Chinese imports during the oil boom. The market was closed after sanitary authorities found major violations.