Alleged Russian ‘mafioso' appeals bail refusal

RUSSIAN ‘mafioso’ Alexander Romanov, 52, has appealed the decision to keep him in prison on remand as his wife is facing identical charges and remains free.
Romanov, who has been in prison since his arrest in December 2013, is facing 17 years in prison for money laundering, organising and belonging to a criminal group, crimes against workers’ rights, document falsification and revealing secrets. He denied all charges.
He was arrested in his luxury mansion in Calvia, where more than €250,000 worth of jewellery was found.
He, his wife, her parents and eight others have been required to pay sums amounting to €200 million in civil liability. His wife, Natalia Vinogradova, is facing 16 years in prison.
Romanov, believed to belong to the ‘Taganskaya’ gang had allegedly illegally invested up to €14 million gained from mafia activities in just a few months, with the purchase of the Mar i Pins hotel in Peguera, amongst other methods.
His lawyer said in court that it was unfair for him to remain in prison as he has collaborated with the authorities and provided documents regarding the case. He has a home in Mallorca where he lived for years with his wife, in-laws and son, and claims he just wants to return to his old life, so there is “no risk of him fleeing the island”. His lawyer also claims he needs to be in hospital to be treated for several illnesses which have worsened in prison. He has offered to appear in court every day, pay bail and hand over his passport.