Russia puts former Central Bank deputy head wanted; media report he is in Cyprus

Former deputy chairman of Russia’s Central Bank Yuri Isaev has been placed on the federal wanted list in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of 4.3 billion roubles.

According to Russian media, the charges relate to the period when Isaev headed the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA).

Investigators claim that the assets of debtors of the bankrupt MezhTopEnergoBank were transferred to companies which, according to law enforcement authorities, were linked to people involved in the case, at prices significantly below market value. The assets were then allegedly used or leased at market rates, which investigators say caused losses of 4.3 billion roubles.

Russian media also report that after leaving the Central Bank in 2022, Isaev left Russia and is living in Cyprus.

According to the same sources, Russian authorities intend to seek his arrest in absentia, a necessary step towards placing him on an international wanted list.

At the same time, there has been no official confirmation from the Cypriot authorities that Yuri Isaev is on the island. Information about his whereabouts is based solely on reports by Russian media. The allegations reflect the position of Russian investigators and have not been confirmed by a court ruling at this stage.