Russia's Krasnodar Arbitration Court has ruled to confiscate the assets of Azerbaijani-born businessman Shahlar Novruzov in favor of the state.
Modern.az reports that the decision was issued on November 24 based on a claim by the Russian Prosecutor General's Office.
By court order, all assets of “Tuapsinskiy Sea Commercial Port” LLC, “TMKP Enterprise” LLC, and “Dar Frut” company, belonging to Novruzov, have been transferred to the ownership of the Russian state.
It should be recalled that Shahlar Novruzov was arrested on September 26, accused of embezzling property worth 1 billion rubles by using forged documents. For many years, he was known as an influential businessman and one of the leaders of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the Kuban region.
Novruzov, originally from Ganja, moved to Russia in the late 1990s and initially engaged in the import of Azerbaijani products (mineral water and juices). Later, his activities expanded, and he established a construction firm, an agricultural complex, and large business structures, including those near the Tuapse port.
According to reports, in 2014, Novruzov acquired shares in the loading and terminal companies of the Tuapse port and organized the import of fruits and vegetables from Azerbaijan and Turkey to Russia through this port.
The investigation claims that illegal privatization and property transactions have been carried out around the port since 1994.
According to “Kommersant”, the total capitalization of the companies transferred to the state exceeds 691 million rubles, with an annual turnover of 264.7 million rubles and a net profit of 67.1 million rubles. Additionally, it is reported that 24 port facilities valued at 383.6 million rubles have also been transferred to the state balance sheet.
