MOSCOW, January 31 (RAPSI) – The Basmanny District Court of Moscow will consider a matter on arrest of businessman Boris Mints in absentia as part of an embezzlement case on February 3, according to a RAPSI correspondent’s report from the courtroom.

The hearing was adjourned on a request of defense asking for additional time to read case materials.

According to the representatives of Mints, the defendants have been recommended not to leave London while the High Court of Justice is hearing a damage recovery claim filed by the Financial Corporation Otkritie and Bank Trust against the businessmen.

Also on Friday, two sons of Mints, Dmitry and Alexander, were ordered to be arrested in absentia as part of the same case.

The case against the businessman and two his sons was opened in September 2019. In December, they were put on a wanted list. They are charged with large-scale embezzlement.

Investigators believe that the accused men controlled a disputable deal on the retirement by the Financial Corporation Otkritie of O1 Group Finance 34 billion-ruble bonds two weeks prior to financial restructuring of the bank ordered by the Central Bank and appointment of temporary administration.

The defendants live in the United Kingdom.

Boris Mints is a founder of O1 Group company, former co-owner of the bank Otkritie and founder of the Museum of Russian Impressionism. His fortune has been estimated at more than $1 billion.