Russian media say a court in Brazil has issued an arrest warrant for Russian business tycoon Boris Berezovsky on charges of money laundering.
A federal court in Brazil is reported to have issued the warrant Thursday for Berezovsky, who is living in political exile in London. He is suspected of laundering money through a business called Media Sports Investment group, which funds a soccer team.
In a separate case taking place in Moscow, a trial of Berezovsky in absentia began Thursday. He is accused of embezzling millions of dollars from Aeroflot airlines. The trial began after a two-week postponement so his court-appointed attorney could study the case. Berezovsky, a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said the trial is politically motivated.
Russia has sought Berezovsky's extradition from Britain, but Britain has refused.