MOSCOW, August 21 (RAPSI) – Aslan Gagiyev, alleged leader of a Russia-based criminal organization, may be extradited from Austria, The Local has reported.

According to The Local, an appeals court in Austria has overturned the lower court’s decision not to extradite Gagiyev because of potential torture and maltreatment he may face in Russia. An appeals court has also asked Russian prosecutor to assure that Gagiyev’s human rights would not be violated.

Georgian-born Aslan Gagiyev’s gang has been operating since 2004 and includes 45 members.

Members of the gang are suspected of more than 40 counts of murder in Moscow and North Ossetia. Some of the suspects have already been convicted and are serving long prison terms. Over ten of them have been arrested, and an additional twelve suspects are wanted by Interpol and federal law enforcement agencies.

Three more members, including the gang’s leader Aslan Gagiyev were arrested in other foreign states and are to be extradited.