Finance minister on money laundering in Russia

More than a dozen cases on money laundering and backing terrorism are now before Russian courts, Finance Minister Alexey Kudrin told journalists today. He indicated that some of these cases are against Russian officials. According to the minister, the cases are soon to be considered.

Kudrin pointed out the necessity of ensuring legal transfer of funds from one country to another. According to him, every year some $12bn is legally withdrawn from Russia to neighboring countries. There is also an illegal capital outflow however, and it should be legalized, the official added.