The Russian embassy in the United States has sent a protest note to the US Department of State over the extradition of Russian national Alexei Burkov from Israel, Eurasia Diary reports citing Tass.
"Following the extradition of Russian national Burkov, charged with cybercrime, from Israel to the US, we made a decisive demarche in regard to Washington’s hunt for our fellow citizens around the world. We sent a protest note to the Department of State, demanding that the US authorities strictly comply with existing bilateral obligations," the statement reads.
The Russian embassy pointed out that diplomats planned to visit "our fellow citizen at a Virginia detention facility" in the near future. "We maintain contact with his family in Russia. We will provide Burkov with all necessary assistance and support," the statement adds.
Burkov case
Israeli Justice Minister Amir Ohana signed a warrant greenlighting Burkov’s extradition to the United States on October 30. The Russian’s defense appealed the decision on November 3, while Burkov himself filed a request with the Supreme Court of Israel that the warrant be overturned. The Supreme Court rejected the request on November 10.
Burkov was detained during a passport check at Washington’s request while trying to leave Israel in December 2015. The US authorities insisted on his extradition as Burkov is suspected of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, identity theft and money laundering. If found guilty, he may face up to 80 years in prison.
Moscow earlier also sent a request for Burkov’s extradition. His case was considered by a court in Jerusalem behind closed doors.
On Tuesday, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov held a meeting with Israel’s Charge d'Affaires Yacov Livne and expressed regret over the Israeli authorities’ decision to extradite the Russian national to the US. According to Bogdanov, "such actions run counter to constructive partnership between Russia and Israel, which has been progressing in the past years."
