LUKOil’s Vice-President’s Father will Be Released Soon – Interior Minister Says

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, December 4, 2002) – “The investigation is on and we hope that Sadi Sharifov will be released very soon,” Georgian Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili told the reporters today.

Sadi Sharifov, 79, father of the Vice-President of the Russian energy giant LUKOil Vagit Sharifov was kidnapped late on December 1.

Georgian law enforcers report that the armed gang of criminals attacked the house were Sharifovs live in Pantiani village in South Georgia kidnapped Sadi Sharifov and hijacked car. The law enforcers later found the car.

Koba Narchemashvili said that the criminals initially did not intend to abduct Sharifov. “The reason of attack on Sharifovs was just robbery. Decision on abduction was taken later,” Georgian Interior Minister said.

Georgian law enforcers suppose that the receiving of ransom might be the main reason of abduction of Sadi Sharifov.

Georgian General Prosecutor’s Office reports that Sadi Sharifov has already been abducted 10 years ago and was released after 12-day of detention. Nugzar Gabrichidze, Georgian chief prosecutor told the reporters today that the kidnappers have already served the sentence and are released.

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