Russia Drops Case Against Businessman Ilya Traber, 'Putin Friend'

Russia's Investigative Committee has dropped the criminal case against St. Petersburg businessman Ilya Traber, who was accused of organizing the 2020 murder of entrepreneur Alexander Petrov. Traber's lawyer confirmed that the committee had closed the case, citing his 'complete lack of involvement' in the murder. Traber has been granted the right to seek redress, including compensation for emotional distress and material damages tied to his unlawful detention. He was released from Moscow's pretrial detention center on August 27 and fitted with an electronic bracelet. Since his release, Traber has met with government and business representatives in Moscow and St. Petersburg.