Investigation into Furgal case progresses as materials are prepared for indictment
The examination and recognition of the materials in the criminal case concerning the former governor of the Khabarovsk Territory, Sergey Furgal, and other defendants on charges of fraud and the organization of a criminal group have reached a conclusion of the initial phase. This update was provided by TASS through the case’s defense team. The lawyer representing Furgal, Mikhail Karapetyan, confirmed that the investigative work has wrapped up and that the case file will soon be forwarded to the Prosecutor General7s Office for approval of the indictment.
Once the indictment is signed off, the matter will move to determine the appropriate jurisdiction. Subsequently, the complete set of materials will be submitted to the court for a merits hearing. Karapetyan noted that all defendants in the proceedings face charges covering 17 components of the alleged crime, reflecting multiple elements of fraud and organization of a criminal group over an extended period.
Earlier reports indicated that investigators were still active in gathering and reviewing evidence. The Moscow Basmanny Court previously ordered restrictions on the ex-governor7s access to case materials related to the fraud and organized crime charges until April 7, ensuring controlled exposure to elements of the case during a critical phase of proceedings.
In a separate development, court proceedings had already resulted in a sentencing decision concerning Sergey Furgal. On February 10, the court imposed a custodial sentence of 22 years after finding him guilty of organizing contract killings carried out between 2004 and 2005. The ruling underscored the gravity of the charges and the court7s assessment of the role played by Furgal in those incidents. The verdict has a significant bearing on the overall trajectory of the case and its implications for regional governance and security policy in the area.
Legal observers note that the forthcoming phase, which centers on the formal approval of the indictment and the selection of the court with proper jurisdiction, will shape the timeline for any subsequent trials. The process will also determine the scope of evidence available to the defense and the prosecution, including potential appeals and procedural motions that may arise as the case advances. The next steps are anticipated to be procedural rather than substantive, with the focus on aligning the charging document with statutory requirements and ensuring a fair opportunity for all defendants to respond to the charges in a court of law. ((citation: TASS))