Boris Berezovsky fled Britain three weeks ago on the advice of Scotland Yard,
amid reports that he was the target of an assassination attempt by a
suspected Russian hitman.
The exiled tycoon and fierce critic of President Putin of Russia told The
Times last night that he had been warned that it was not safe for him to
remain in London, where he had been living since being granted asylum in
Britain.
“I was informed by Scotland Yard that my life was in danger and they
recommended that I leave the country,” he said. “I left three weeks ago but
have now returned.”
Mr Berezovsky, a billionaire businessman who has an office in Mayfair and
lives at a heavily guarded mansion in Surrey, never moves without a phalanx
of bodyguards. He has been the subject of assassination attempts in Russia
but this is the first time that he has been targeted in London.
Reports last night claimed that an assassin was captured at the Hilton Hotel
in Park Lane, West London, moments before he planned to kill Mr Berezovsky,
whose offices are a short distance away. Scotland Yard said last night that
it was not prepared to discuss the matter.
The revelation could help to explain why the new Government of Gordon Brown
decided to take such tough action against the Kremlin this week. On Monday
David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, ordered four Russian diplomats,
believed to be members of the Russian security services, to leave Britain
within ten days. He also announced measures to tighten visas for Russian
officials visiting Britain.
The reason given for the action was Russia’s failure to extradite Andrei
Lugovoy, a former Russian intelligence officer, who has been named as the
prime suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Mr Litvinenko, an
associate of Mr Berezovsky’s, died an agonising death in November last year
when he was poisoned with the radioactive isotope polonium-210. Detectives
believe that Mr Lugovoy administered the poison in a pot of tea he served Mr
Litvinenko when they met at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair on November 1.
At the time, Russian opposition figures in London suspected that the murder
was intended to send a message to Mr Berezovsky, who has openly called for
the removal of President Putin and his regime by peaceful means, or by force
if necessary.
The former Kremlin aide and Russian oligarch made billions of pounds in the
1990s when he ran an airline, a car dealership and Russia’s main television
channel. He briefly served as a Kremlin aide during the presidency of Boris
Yeltsin.
But he fell out with Mr Putin and fled the country. The Kremlin has sought his
extradition back to Russia to face various criminal charges but he was
granted asylum to remain in Britain by David Blunkett, the former Home
Secretary.
Since arriving in Britain, Mr Berezovsky has been a political irritant to the
Kremlin. He has used his wealth and political contacts to fund the
opposition against Mr Putin, who is due to step down as head of state after
next year’s presidential elections. In the politically charged atmosphere
ahead of the changeover of power there are fears that figures in the Kremlin
will seek to silence or eliminate any opposition figures threatening the
existing leadership.
Mr Berezovsky said last night he was confident he was safe in Britain under
the protection of the police. Appearing on Newsnight on BBC One, he said
that he was in no doubt that the threats to his life came from the Russian
Government. He said he was “100 per cent sure” that Mr Putin was behind Mr
Litvinenko’s murder.
Relations between London and Moscow are likely to be tense for some time.
Yesterday Yuri Fedotov, the Russian Ambassador to London, gave a warning
that Moscow would retaliate against the expulsion of the four diplomats from
his embassy. While tit-for-tat expulsions would not seriously damage
bilateral relations, Britain is concerned the Kremlin could harm the
lucrative British commercial interests in Russia.
Scotland Yard IS RIDICULOUS!!! They tell this mafiozo to flee Britain as if it's Apocalypse Now, as if they cannot protect him, as if anywhere he will be on the road he would be safer than under Scotland Yard's protection. This is RIDICULOUS. Scotland Yard SHOULD TELL ALL BRITS TO LEAVE BRITAIN BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER SAFE FOR BRITS TO BE IN BRITAIN BECAUSE OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS!!!
Common Sense, Brussels, EU
To wetzvonken, Buenos Aires, Argentina
"Can anyone tell us if any of the people judged in Russia were by a court who did not follow directions from the Kremlin; obviously not at all."
Obviously, you dont know a thing about Russia. DO you know, fro example, that Lugovoi (the suspect in the Litvinenko case) has already been on a trial in Russia in 2002 and spent a couple of years in prison (he used his knowledge of bodyguards to help a criminal to escape from a russian prison)? Surprised?
Alex, Moscow,
To FaceTheFacts, London, UK
Do you mean that given the british colonial history the Britain is even more devil than Russia could ever be?
Alex, Moscow,
Most people in the West have no idea how utterly morally corrupt and cynical the Russian leadership truly is. This is no conspiracy theory, but historical facts, which will at some point in the future be officially recognized in the West and in Russia. Only an understanding of this will allow the public to realize what we are up against. I commend the British government for taking a stand on principle (which presumably is to let Russia do as it pleases within but draws a line at least for its own citizens and territory). Mind you, most of the Jews of Europe who perished in the Holocaust never would have believed the a presumably civilized and intelligent nation like the Germans would have such monstrous plans for them until it was too late. Looking at Russia's history of the last 100 years and the ignorance and silence, especially in Russia, regarding the true history of Stalin's purges, show trials, gulags, Ukrainian famine, 1st Chechen genocide (under Stalin)...
FaceTheFacts, London, UK
Russia has not any kind of balance of power, so you will not find any independent branch of justice like they are in Western style democracies. Can anyone tell us if any of the people judged in Russia were by a court who did not follow directions from the Kremlin; obviously not at all. Just see the case of Mijail Khodorkovsky, who is behind bars for many years just because he is an opponent to other new oligarchs who support your boss, Vladimir V. Putin. How many cases of assassination were resolved or even really investigated like Anna Politkovskaya’s murder on October 6, 2006, not a single case. She was a wonderful woman, perhaps the most outstanding journalist and investigator about the crimes committed by Russian troops in Chechnya. So different of the policies of appeasement ordered by Tsars Nicholas I and Alexander II a century and half earlier, when they won de hearts and minds of Chechnya without bloodshed. Berezovsky's crime was not to be part of Putin's clique like others.
wetzvonken, Buenos Aires, Argentina
As Berezovsky has so much money and seems intent on gaining publicist and upsetting the Russian Government at every opportunity, I trust it is him that is paying for his security and not the British Taxpayer.
Darren, London,
I think I'll wait until we hear official confirmation on this before I start believing it. If not official confirmation then confirmation from at least a source other than Mr. Berezovsky
Mike, Bristol, Bristol, UK
Clearly, Litvinenko was collateral damage, and the real
target was Berezovsky....all along!!!!
Mcg, Dublin, IR
It's easy for everyone in the safety of the west to blame the "Russian people" for not developing democracy in Russia.
If your leaders sold off your national assets for a pittance & then watched these thieving oligarchs use stolen money to play with Chelsea football club & anoint their choice of political leader you'd clamour for Putin too.
Our western leaders watched by as Russia burned & the Russian people saw their quality of life destroyed. Why weren't we "experienced democrats" defending the Russian people whilst this occurred?
Putin may be bad but we helped him with our apathetic attitude to democracy in Russia.
Ranvir Singh, London, UK
Please remember that Vladimir Putin is a much more capable president than the late Boris Yeltzin, who sold Russia to thieves.
I wonder who is doing more illegal things - the Russian or the American President?! Support for a work destroying capitalist like Berezovski comes for the same type of people who admire Churchill, Stalin, Hitler and Reagan. Did they doing any good for mankind, or were they targeting their protegees in order to gain their own survival. Blunt stereotypes do not help in a case, where financial-economic reason are so much stronger than humanitarian. The course of confrontation leads to more confrontation. We have to doubt the intelligence of our (elected) leaders.
Joachim Kappert, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Would at least one of the posters here who continually claim that Britain is in Iraq 'for oil' please tell us when the petrol will arrive? Britain and America have been waiting awfully long for this putative boon -- over four years, in fact.
Indra, Mumbai, In
Actually David, this story has nothing to do with oil...
C, Brighton,
"In the politically charged atmosphere ahead of the changeover of power there are fears that figures in the Kremlin will seek to silence or eliminate any opposition figures threatening the existing leadership."
LOL :)
Kremlin has over than 70% active support of citizens. So problems have "opposition figures". Don't tangle these things.
Dmitry Trunikov, Guildford, UK, Surrey
This is just absurd. Come on, people of Great Britain, you're much smarter than that. Do you really believe this nonsense? Why would Russian Government try to assasinate Berezovsky when the whole world is watching them right now. Somebody wants to benefit from conflict between Russia and Great Britain and they keep on feeding you this nonsense.
Slava, Toronto, Canada
Hello Darren in London,
Please specify exactly what you are talking about when you state "THe US is also responsible for death squads operating in other countries..."
Thank you.
ERF, Winchester,
Russia and the UK need to work together to stop criminal and terrorist activity of all kind. Not squable like school chldren.
It seems very odd how so many of the Russians are now mega wealthy when 10 years ago they had very little. Mind you the West has now taken on Afghanistan policiing from Russia and now has to spend the Billions we should be spending at home on our own secuirty,
All seems very shadowy and unsavoury
Paul from Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent
Mmh... Don't you think this happened at the proper time? ;-)
Vlad, SPb,
Joachim Kappert says there is no evidence yet the trail of radioactive materials can be traced back to Moscow following the rout taken by the suspect.
I think that this is fairly good evidence.
Michael C Fortune-Wood, Porth,
>>He briefly served as a Kremlin aide during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin.
he was deputy secretary of the National Security Council during Yeltzin time, a bit more than aide I say
Gene T, New York, NY
Yes, it is time to stop overseas trips for the CIA.
rob Hughes, london, UK
Ever heard the expression "the chickens have come home to roost"? To elaborate, let us remember that the UK has openly granted asylum to wanted criminals and anarchists from across ther Arab world who were convicted of their crimes, whilst at the same time remaining cosy with their dictatorial regimes. Prior to 9/11, one of these asylum seekers was held responsible for the murder of the Northern Alliance leader in Afghanistan.
The point I am trying to make is (rightly or wrongly) that threatened regimes and leaders will do anything and everything to ensure their survival. My beloved UK and its inadequate ability to do anything right on the international scene is only in the line of fire. This could and should have been avoided.
Rehan Ashraf, East Ham, London, UK
I wouldn't believe a thing that Berezovsky says. He has arrest warrants against him in both Russia and Brazil, and for the UK to give political asylum and treat him like an honourable dissident is a huge mistake. Of course he should be protected from attempts on his life and I commend the UK police for stopping any such plot, but really let's not jump to the conclusion that it's the Russian government behind it.
jimmy choo, London,
Before the WWII Soviet had special killing squads that eliminated opponents who fled from "paradise on east". They used to use them for example in France. Of course there was a great turmoil. As we may see not too much has changed since that time
Marcin, Zielona Góra, Poland
"THe US is also responsible for death squads operating in other countries..."
Right, Darrell. Never heard our military described as "death squads."
Great allegation. How about some corroboration? Or is all you have smears and innuendo?
John, Houston, TX
The Russian people have never known Democracy; a bit unfair to blame them for not getting it right the first time. True, I beleive the US has thoroughly bungled Middle Eastern Oil. Be that as it may, we in the West--the US AND Europe--are locked in a war with a radical element of Islam. That is the challenge the West must meet.
Paul S, Woodbury, USA
What's a stupid chatter.:-) It's look like someone saw too much James Bond movies. We're waiting continuation of the story though. Where's the man who claimed to be killer? Has he name, human body? Hmmm... I see... It will be reported some days later he is a top secret evidence and nobody never seen him, he was killed or died or poisoned once again and nobody will see his corpse. Stupid idle talk.
yaro, Stavropol, Russia
Are there any attributable sources for this story _other_ than Mr Berezovsky, please?
Without sources this story is "all heat and no light", and given Mr Berezovsky's apparent interest in stirring up tension wherever and whenever he can, I'd be disinclined to trust his unsupported word on a story of this kind. After all, it's hard to resist the conclusion that anyone who wanted to take him out, could have and would have done so last autumn....
Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK
I don't understand why the British reaction. They provided asylum to many wanted Russians. And refused so far to extradite them.
Now, they want Russia to give Lugovoy. But the Foreign Office knew they wouldn't.
The real question is: why do they ask publically the Russian to do something they for sure won't? Is the aim to create more tensions with Russia?
To put pressure on the Kremlin at a time when elections are coming soon?
TO BE MORE ACCURATE, ASK FIRST YOUR SPECIAL FORCES TO COME BACK HOME INSTEAD OF TRAINING CHECHEN TERRORISTS.
Pedja, Metz, France
Another Words of Mass Deception by British intelligence. Nothing new. Keep up harboring and giving asylum status to runaway criminals like Berezovski, and it certainly will backfire with more money laundering scandals and even murders. And solution -- just blame the Russia. Shame.
Kirill, Bucharest,
I was speaking to the fairy at the bottom of our garden and he thinks Mr Berezovsky is pure and sweet and honest, but he said that about a lot of other people the newspapers waste a lot of print on. Save the planet guys.
alan, warks, uk
Berezovsky set up several murder attempts on himself in Russia. I am impressed with how much he has achieved in UK in such a short period of time. You may want to read a book about Berezovsky called "Godfather of Kremlin" by your countryman Paul Khlebnikov. Paul was conviniently assassinated shortly after this book, his murder also conveniently blamed on Putin. FYI, Berezovsky was the one who put Puting to power. Now he is bad that Putin is not behaving and rebelling against him.
I am sorry we cannot send all of our evil and greedy Russians to the UK. Thanks for this favor.
Just ask one question: who benefits? Putin and Russia lost too much from both Litvinenko's death and this murder attempt greatly timed by a genious man. Berezovsky is a genius, no doubt...
Elena, Moscow,
Why are dissident Russians (who are plotting the unlawful & violent overthrow of Russia’s democratically elected government) allowed asylum here to carry out their anarchy from the privacy of their luxury British homes & hotels & on the streets of London. Unsurprisingly, the Russians come looking for them, but end up endangering the lives of innocent British people with radio-active materials & firearms. Already the Russian mafia has a firm stranglehold on organised crime here. If Berezovsky & his mates are so adamant about their cause & if, as they say, they are innocent of the crimes Russia has accused them of, then they should carry on their cause in Russia, not in Britain. This isn’t our battle, we don't want them here. I wonder what's in it for the UK to allow these trouble makers to remain here. Could it be the tax on Berezovsky's billions, or is that safely secured in an off shore account. Was the latest attempt on Berezovsky carried out by a Russian diplomat – hence no charges
michael pickles, bournemouth, england
good staged "show" for the mass. there is nothing behind this, just world economy and geopolitics.
Mike, Moscow,
Personally I would rather face blackouts than continue to buy any gas or oil from Russia. If Putin fails to step down and/or there isn't a proper free election then lets sanction Russia - even if it costs us a lot. They came so close to a semblance of democracy but have failed at the last hurdle. Let the West give one more push even if we have to make sacrifices.
However, I doubt putting ideals before personal gain or comfort is likely to catch on, but you never know!
Nigel Jaggers, Newcastle, UK
UK does not believe in fair trial in Russia. Send Berezovsky to Brazil. They also demand him his extradition on money laundering charges. I can't believe UK agreed to play Berezovsky fiedle in his fight with Putin. It is so short-sighted. Unless Labour does not plan to stay long at Downing St for long.
Dennis, London, UK
Are you proposing americans to change their cadillacs to bycicles, David? Common, lets be real!
Solomon, Savanna,
expelling a few diplomats is not enough for cold war relics like Putin.
We need to send an unmistakable message that cold blooded murder in London will never be accepted. The measures need to target Putin himself, perhaps an international arrest warrant and an EU agreement that if he sets foot in Europe he will be arrested.
Akram, London,
"You cannot use violence to silence the opposition by poisoning , killing and murdering.You have to play by the rules and act as a true democrat not as an emperor who is afraid of losing his throne or his power for another man because he fit well in presidency."
Are you going to stop him, o brave internet warrior?
As long as humans remain mortal, power will always be measured by how many other people a person can kill.
Slappy Joe, Philadelphia, US,
Time to go to a doctor, people....
Alex, St-Peterburg, Russia
America is going to regret that they won the Cold War and broke up the Soviet Union.
Unfortunately presidents Reagan and Clinton never heeded the saying "better the devil you know..."
A new nationalistic Russia puts us all in more danger than the old Soviet Union ever did.
How many nuclear weapons have the Russians and Americans still got pointing at each other? Let me see now....
You thought Khrushchev was a dangerous man in 1962? Turn the page and make way for Mr Putin! He´s not a man to let Nato´s creeping and sneaky advances eastwards go unchallenged, now, is he?
cerronevado, Malaga, Spain
putin shows little respect for britain or the rule of law. he only understands the anachronistic KGB ways of ruthless annihilation of all enemies of the state. this is at odds with all the principles of a 21st century democracy. the british government is not only right to want to deter assasination on british soil and to protect british citizens - it has a distinct obligation to do so.
dave, london, UK
Russia is not Iraq, Dear British!
William, Lynchburg, VA
Mr Connolly of New Orleans should learn to read. This article has nothing to do with a death squad in New Orleans and the target is a RUSSIAN citizen living in th UK. Maybe he'd be better employed complaining about torture sqauds in Kazhakstan (or wherever else the current crop of Al Quaeda suspects are being held this week).
KR, Stockport,
Is Berezovski paying tax here?
Steve Byrne, Christchurch,
As an armchair observer in the US, I'm glad to see Britain finally start facing up to its neighborhood bully. If we in this country had good reason to believe that the leadership of Russian assasinated one of our citizens, we'd be on the virge of war.
Ryan Mercer, Spokane, WA
president p seems to identify with stalin, who sent his hit squads all over the world and finally after years of effort succeeded in nailing trotsky. in this sense it doesn't look good for bb long-term.
slava, london,
An excellent idea, yankee! Get rid of foreign Iraqi oil - just let Iraqis distribute their own energy wealth. Change your pickup to mini or drive bycycle, which is really healthy and enviromentally friendly way of transportation.
To Brits - do not give political asylum to guys who robbed billions of dollars from their people, and pay as much attention to more then 100'000 Iraqis who died in the name of democracy (not oil, of course!) instead of thinking about one guy who was killed by his own shady business companions.
Michael, St.Petersburg, Russia
Someone can just walk into our country and murder and potentially contaminate countless innocents and the country that supposedly sent them is still not treated as though they support and fund terrorism!!! What other possible justification can they give to not handing over this suspected murderer to stand trial!!
Farzana, London,
I say down with the Kremlin!
Mike, Eatontown, USA/NJ
This is just another GB gov't. propaganda to justify their action. Another fabricated story. You cannot trust the British Intelligence nowadays.
Michael, Dallas,
"as well as Akhmed Zakayev, a Chechen dissident also wanted in Russia"
To be precise word "dissident" should be replaced on the word "terrorist". When you gather dirt from all the world prepare that it deliver problems to you.
Ender, Chel, Russia
Mr Lugovoy must have been known to the security services. Why then was he allowed to enter the country and to act unhindered?
Mike Tulloch, Barnard Castle, England
How do you make billions just by managing a defunct airline and car dealership ? Answer: Berzovsky stole this money from the Russian people. The UK won't extradite this crook to answer charges in Russia, so why should the Russians extradite Lugovoy ? The hypocrisy !!
paul, paris, france
Nice idea, but how long will your own oil last for?
Arsen Sogoyan, Moscow, Russia
David E. Connolly, Jr., New Orleans, Louisiana
Tell that to GWB. America is addicted to the stuff.
Andy, Scotland,
Boris Berezovsky is not without complicity in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. He may not have administered the polonium 210 but he, in no small measure, created and orchestrated the motive that led to the tragic, excrutiating death of Litvinenko. No one of sound mind would have entrusted a pathetically deranged, and financially destitute, Litvinenko with business intelligence dossiers that allegedly linked Russian businesses to Kremlin officials, the soloviki and Russian crime families. There is not a member of Berezovsky's entourage who was not aware that Litvinenko was living in a world of paranoid delusions, plotting to extort and blackmail exiled oligarchs and crime families using those business intelligence dossiers he was entrusted with. Berezovsky was advised of the threat Litvinenko posed to him personally. Entrusting those dossiers to him was tantamount to setting him up as yet one more "useful idiot" to be disposed of to serve Berezovsky's tyrannical Machiavellian ends.
Brian Doan, Burlington, VT USA
Are'nt there reasons to suspect CIA- Berezowski connections?After all Berezowski fled Russia.He must be anintersting person for the CIA.
w.groeneveld, almere, netherlands
Dave As soon as the US stop sdoing it as well then maybe somehting may happend. THe US is also responsible for death squads operating in other countries... Please also wake up...
Darren, London,
Berezovsky has had a busy week, first a judge in Brazil has ordered his arrest after investigations into alledged money laundering using players transfers to mask transactions. Now he's the target of an assassination attempt.
Before we make any major policy shifts towards Russia we must first put our investigative efforts into Berezovsky's dealings.
Chris, Durham, UK
Mr. Putin is playing tough with the opposition abroad.He is the prime suspect behind the murder of Litvinenko by poison .
Berezovsky is living under heavy guard for fear he will be murdered.You cannot use violence to silence the opposition by poisoning , killing and murdering.You have to play by the rules and act as a true democrat not as an emperor who is afraid of losing his throne or his power for another man because he fit well in presidency.
Abdelkrim, New York, USA
Russia flirted brierfly with democracy but fell back under the thumb of a bunch of corrupt thugs. How unfortunate. You only get one chance to get it right it this life. It appears the Russian people missed their chance.
Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Nice of David Connolly, Jr., of New Orleans to say :-
''Time to get off the foreign oil, people! WAKE UP!''
e realised long ago.
The US has unfortunately been carrying on a hedonistic partying and burning oil like crazy knowing that if the tanks run dry you can always pummel another country using some false pretence such as you are ''setting up democracy'' or looking for ''weapons of mass destruction''.
Richard Norman Perle, the US political lobbyist, is the expert on this form of delusion.
The US is a nation with good people but needs to realise that it has a duty to humanity and the world at large, otherwise it will be seen as not much better than the Nazis that we both defeated.
K. Urban , London, UK
Do You really thought that KGB died in 1991? They feel free to do anything in Your country because You let them do this. Now it`s to late for diplomacy.
Tomi, Warsaw,
Britain is concerned the Kremlin could harm the lucrative British commercial interests in Russia?
Oh, like investigating BAe could harm British interests in Saudi Arabia?
Godalmighty, if we in the West are going to adopt the Chinese model and shamelessly administer the diplomatic reacharound to anyone who's got something we want, let's just be honest about it and stop deceiving ourselves with lies about 'ethics' and 'morality' and all those other bothersome 20th Century concepts.
John Miller, Foster City, California, USA
Just to remember! The first and the last democratic elections in Russia took place in 1996, compare to e.g. Poland / neighbour country/ in 1182!!! As you can see democracy never exist in Russia and I don’t think they even tray to develop any kind of democratic country. KGB, money rules...
Artur, Edinburgh, Scotland
Words are so flexible. Mr Berezovsky wants to take out Mr Putin by force, stole billions in speculations on airlines, tv-stations and car sales, is a wanted fugitive in several countries, and enjoys British asylum. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard is chasing killers without any evidence or public information or appearence. To call Mr Berezovsky 'one of our citizens' is highly ironical.
Joachim Kappert, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
How long are we going to tolerate these death squads operating inside of our countries, assassinating our citizens? As if terrorism weren't enough, and all anyone is worried about is the oil . Time to get off the foreign oil, people! WAKE UP!
David E. Connolly, Jr., New Orleans, Louisiana