Dmitry Firtash: Ukrainian energy magnate with close links to senior Tories arrested in Austria after FBI investigation

‘A pro-Russian Ukrainian energy magnate with connections to senior British parliamentarians has been arrested in Vienna at the request of the United States following an FBI investigation.

The Independent revealed last week the links between gas billionaire Dmitry Firtash and senior Conservatives John Whittingdale, the chair of the powerful Commons media select committee, and Lord Risby, a former vice-chairman of the Conservative Party and shadow minister for Financial Services.

Both Parliamentarians are on the board of the British Ukrainian Society (BUS), an organisation with strong ties to Mr Firtash, who was one of Ukraine’s most powerful figures under the country’s deposed President Viktor Yanukovych.

And in a development described by experts as “seismic” Mr Firtash, 48, was arrested yesterday by the organised crime unit of the Austrian police. The energy magnate is alleged to have paid bribes and formed a criminal organisation, according to the warrant which was issued after the FBI began investigating him in 2006, according to the Austrian Interior Ministry.’

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