Iran accused of money laundering, drug trafficking: "Belarus citizen identified as Yury Charniauski, who owns the TM Services company in Minsk. He was arrested on Dec 24, 2009 at the Bahrain International Airport for attempting to smuggle 500 grams of cocaine. He allegedly arrived from India and was on his way to Saudi Arabia.
During interrogation with the Bahraini police, the Belarusian admitted to the drug smuggling charge but later recanted his confession in front of the Public Prosecution, allegedly upon instructions from the Iranian authorities which were reportedly passed on to him through his family.
He is still in the custody of Bahrain police and a verdict is expected on May 12, 2010. If he is found guilty, he faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for smuggling drugs is death or life imprisonment.
The sources indicated since the arrest of Charniauski the Revolutionary Guard have been exerting all efforts behind the scene to seek his release before he admits to the charge of money laundering and carrying out drug smuggling operations for the interest of the Revolutionary Guard over the years."
During interrogation with the Bahraini police, the Belarusian admitted to the drug smuggling charge but later recanted his confession in front of the Public Prosecution, allegedly upon instructions from the Iranian authorities which were reportedly passed on to him through his family.
He is still in the custody of Bahrain police and a verdict is expected on May 12, 2010. If he is found guilty, he faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for smuggling drugs is death or life imprisonment.
The sources indicated since the arrest of Charniauski the Revolutionary Guard have been exerting all efforts behind the scene to seek his release before he admits to the charge of money laundering and carrying out drug smuggling operations for the interest of the Revolutionary Guard over the years."
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