Russian Interpol office to join investigation of Litvinenko’s death

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Businessman Andrei Lugovoi can be questioned once again on the case of poisoning of former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko, Russian media report citing a source close to the investigation. “It is not ruled out that after examination of Lugovoi’s evidence the investigation can have more questions, and then Russian prosecutors and Scotland Yard officers will question him again,” the source said.

Besides, Interpol joined the investigation of Litvinenko’s death, because, as Interpol's Russian office chief Timur Lakhonin said, several countries became involved in the investigation. Interpol sees its role in coordination of police actions of the countries in interest, however, he did not give further details.

Meanwhile, the head of the Russian Interpol office said Russia would continue its effort to seek extradition of emissary of the Chechen separatists living in the UK, Akhmed Zakayev. Timur Lakhonin in particular said: “It is a principal issue. I think, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office will continue the effort. And we shall assist in it, using our channels in operative exchange of information.” “We are requesting extradition of persons, who committed crimes in Russia. If we do not insist upon extradition of those people, what’s the sense of law enforcement activity in general?”

Reuters provides a careful comment on it by a spokeswoman for Interpol in France: “Interpol exists to assist police operations and obviously this case is international in nature and Interpol can therefore offer and provide international assistance between the countries, as and when required.”