Today on 14 January 2016the competent authorities of Spain at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federationare extraditing to Russia Latvian national Igor Kogan.

The investigation authorities accuse him of crimes under part 4 of article 188 (Smuggling committed by an organized group), paragraphs “a”, “d” of part 3 of article 228.1 (Illegal transfer of drugs on a very large scale by an organized group) and part 1 of article 30, paragraphs “a” and “d” of part 3 of article 228.1 of the Russian Penal Code (preparing for illegal drug dealing on a very large scale by an organized group).

The case in respect of Mr.Kogan is being investigated by the Investigative Department of the Russian Ministry of the Interior.

The investigation revealed that in January 2009 Mr.Kogan as a member of an organized group had transferred from Ecuador to Russia over 28 kg of cocaine hidden from customs control in the hold of the ship and meant for sale. However the drug was found and confiscated by officials of the Baltic customs of the Federal Customs Service of Russia during customs control.

Considering that Mr. Kogan fled from the investigative authorities, he was put on the federal and international wanted lists in July 2014.

He was detained in Spain in May 2015.

In June 2015 the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation sent to the competent authorities of Spain a request to extradite Mr. Kogan to Russia, which was satisfied in December 2015.

Igor Kogan is going to be transported to Moscow under special escort.