Posted on Jan 24, 2023
Andrey Medvedev: Russian Wagner mercenary who fled to Norway arrested
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A former Russian paramilitary commander who claimed asylum in Norway earlier this month has been arrested by police.
Andrey Medvedev is being held under the Immigration Act, police spokesperson Jon Andreas Johansen told the BBC.
His lawyer, Brynjulf Risnes, told the BBC that the 26-year-old had been moved to a detention centre in the Oslo area.
Mr Medvedev, who crossed into Norway from Russia's far north two weeks ago, is believed to be the first member of the Wagner Group to defect to the West.
The mercenary group - which is believed to have close ties to the Kremlin - has been used in many Russian operations. UK officials estimate it makes up 10% of Moscow's forces in Ukraine.
The move came after "police concluded his situation was very dangerous," Mr Risnes told the BBC. "This is what everyone wanted to avoid, but we are looking for solutions."
Previously, he had been staying at a safe house.
Mr Medvedev's arrest meant he would be under increased security, the lawyer added. But he emphasised that the former mercenary was still being treated as a witness.
Andrey Medvedev is being held under the Immigration Act, police spokesperson Jon Andreas Johansen told the BBC.
His lawyer, Brynjulf Risnes, told the BBC that the 26-year-old had been moved to a detention centre in the Oslo area.
Mr Medvedev, who crossed into Norway from Russia's far north two weeks ago, is believed to be the first member of the Wagner Group to defect to the West.
The mercenary group - which is believed to have close ties to the Kremlin - has been used in many Russian operations. UK officials estimate it makes up 10% of Moscow's forces in Ukraine.
The move came after "police concluded his situation was very dangerous," Mr Risnes told the BBC. "This is what everyone wanted to avoid, but we are looking for solutions."
Previously, he had been staying at a safe house.
Mr Medvedev's arrest meant he would be under increased security, the lawyer added. But he emphasised that the former mercenary was still being treated as a witness.
Andrey Medvedev: Russian Wagner mercenary who fled to Norway arrested
Posted from bbc.com
Russia
Norway
Security
Police
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."After news of Mr Medvedev's arrest broke on Monday, Gulagu.net wrote on social media that the ex-commander had been told he would be deported from the country.
He feared being "brutally murdered" if returned to Russia, the founder of the rights group added. But the Norwegian authorities have not suggested Mr Medvedev would be deported.
Mr Risnes told the BBC that it was "absolutely not true" that his client was facing deportation, but said there may have been a misunderstanding between Mr Medvedev and Norwegian police.
Mr Osechkin did not immediately reply to a BBC request for comment, instead directing reporters to the group's statement on social media.
"We are not looking to whitewash Medvedev. He has done many bad things in his life," Mr Osechkin wrote on Facebook.
"But he has seen the light and is willing to cooperate with Norwegian and international authorities regarding the Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin," he added."
..."After news of Mr Medvedev's arrest broke on Monday, Gulagu.net wrote on social media that the ex-commander had been told he would be deported from the country.
He feared being "brutally murdered" if returned to Russia, the founder of the rights group added. But the Norwegian authorities have not suggested Mr Medvedev would be deported.
Mr Risnes told the BBC that it was "absolutely not true" that his client was facing deportation, but said there may have been a misunderstanding between Mr Medvedev and Norwegian police.
Mr Osechkin did not immediately reply to a BBC request for comment, instead directing reporters to the group's statement on social media.
"We are not looking to whitewash Medvedev. He has done many bad things in his life," Mr Osechkin wrote on Facebook.
"But he has seen the light and is willing to cooperate with Norwegian and international authorities regarding the Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin," he added."
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