U.S. Case Against Maksim Bakiev Dropped

Maxim BakievU.S. prosecutors say a financial fraud case against Maksim Bakiev, son of former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev, has been dropped, but gave no explanation. 

Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, confirmed the decision to RFE/RL.

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev summoned the U.S. ambassador to express Kyrgyzstan’s dismay at the decision.

Maksim Bakiev was detained in Britain in October on the basis of a U.S. warrant and remained in Britain after posting bail.

He fled to Britain after his father was chased from office in a coup in April 2010.

The United States had sought to extradite him from Britain to face trial on charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and obstruction of justice.

Maksim Bakiev is still wanted in Kyrgyzstan where he was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison on corruption charges.

rferl.org