Russia critic Browder briefly detained in Spain
MADRID — A prominent critic of the Kremlin says Russia is trying to block his investigation into the murder of a former employee by abusing an Interpol system of warrants that caused him to be briefly detained in Spain on Wednesday.
“Vladimir Putin and the Russian government are absolutely infuriated that we are bringing them to justice for the murder of Sergei Magnitsky,” U.S.-born and London-based investor William Browder told The Associated Press.
The financier has advocated for U.S. sanctions targeting Russian officials over human rights abuses. He was the driving force behind the Magnitsky Act, named after Browder’s former employee, who died in jail after accusing officials in the country of involvement in a tax fraud scheme.
Browder, head of the Hermitage Capital investment fund, said Spanish police took him away Wednesday when he was heading to meet with prosecutors to share evidence on property investments in Spain with funds allegedly linked to Magnitsky’s murder.