The investigation plans to place Alexander Kurylin, the owner of the Ton-Avto car dealership holding and the former mayor of Zhigulevsk, on the international wanted list in the coming week, according to Kommersant-Volga, citing its source. The move reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to pursue alleged wrongdoing connected with a prominent regional business figure.
Kurylin is accused of bribing in absentia Sixth Supreme Court judge Alexander Efanov. When he failed to appear for questioning, he was placed on the federal wanted list last week. Investigators assert that Kurylin provided Judge Efanov with a discount of more than 1 million rubles on the rental of a Toyota Sequoia, a benefit alleged to be connected to judicial decisions in a separate matter. These claims are being examined as part of a criminal case that ties high-level financial favors to the judicial process.
The High Qualification Referee Board flagged the same car because its absence from the 2019-2021 declaration lists drew scrutiny. In the course of the investigation, Judge Efanov was questioned as a witness in the case concerning Kurylin. The authorities are reviewing how assets declared or not declared might intersect with potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of decision-making within the judiciary.
Kommersant-Volga notes that Kurylin, the man at the center of the inquiries, was recently reported to have traveled to Turkey and may have transitioned onward to one of the European Union member states. The report situates the investigation within a broader context of cross-border movements by individuals connected to high-profile cases.
Earlier information indicates a separate incident involving Kurylin’s public transportation history. He was reportedly a passenger in a Chelyabinsk minibus incident where the driver was found with a knife and detained a couple of hours later, a detail that underscores a wider pattern of scrutiny surrounding security and legal compliance linked to the individual.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted with attention to the potential implications for judicial independence, corporate governance, and regulatory oversight in the region. Authorities are pursuing a careful, fact-based approach to determine whether any improper influence affected legal proceedings or commercial outcomes. The case continues to unfold, with investigators collecting and assessing documentary evidence, testimonies, and financial records to establish a clear chain of responsibility.
In public statements, officials have refrained from commenting beyond the information released through official channels, citing the sensitive nature of the proceedings and the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation. observers note that the intersection of business interests and the judiciary remains a critical area for oversight and policy reform, particularly given the potential for cross-border implications in high-profile cases.
Overall, the situation around Kurylin highlights how regulatory authorities pursue suspected misconduct through coordinated, multi-jurisdictional efforts. The coming weeks are likely to bring additional updates as the international warrants are formalized and further evidence is reviewed. The case remains a focal point for discussions about accountability in both business and government sectors, and for broader questions about anti-corruption measures across borders.