MOSCOW, July 16 (RAPSI) – The Presnensky District Court of Moscow has transferred a libel lawsuit filed by Russian businessman Telman Ismailov charged in absentia with murder and illegal arms trafficking against Rosbalt new agency to a court in St. Petersburg, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

The one-million-ruble defamation lawsuit ($16,000) will be heard by the Smolnensky District Court of St. Petersburg.

In his claim Ismailov says that the media outlet published 7 articles containing abusive language and intentionally false information about him.

The businessman demands to collect 900,000 rubles ($14,395) from the news agency and 100,000 ($1,605) rubles from an author of the articles. Moreover, he seeks refutation of statements written in the articles and declaration of them contradicting the reality.

In March 2017, Ismailov was declared bankrupt. In December 2017, the businessman was charged in absentia with murder and illegal arms trafficking. He was put on the international wanted list.

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, whereas the murder was allegedly committed by Mekhman Kerimov, who pleaded guilty. Rafik Ismailov and Kerimov were placed in detention, Telman and Vagif Ismailovs were arrested in absentia by a court decision.

The businessman could face life imprisonment if convicted.

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.