Well-known Russian scientist from the Hermitage detained in Poland at Ukraine's request
The Russian scientist is accused in Ukraine of illegal archaeological excavations in Crimea, which led to the destruction of cultural heritage.
A well-known Russian scientist, Alexander Butyagin, an employee of the State Hermitage Museum and head of the department of ancient archaeology, has been detained in Poland.
The arrest was carried out by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) at the request of Ukrainian authorities.
The scientist is accused of illegal archaeological excavations in Crimea, which led to the destruction of cultural heritage. According to the Ukrainian investigation, Butyagin, since 2014, while heading the ancient archaeology department of the Hermitage, led search teams in Russian-occupied Crimea. He and his team conducted excavations at the ancient settlement of Myrmekion in Kerch.
The Russian was in Poland in transit and was arrested last week.
After interrogation, the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw decided to petition the court for a temporary arrest for 40 days.
The arrest is necessary to complete the formalities related to the potential extradition of the scientist to Ukraine.
The crime the scientist is accused of carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison.
Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the actions of Russians at the excavation sites are part of the systemic looting of the cultural heritage of the Crimean Peninsula.
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Таму расійскі кіраўнік рабаваннем культурнай спадчыны ў Крыме мусіць быць пакараны.