DUSHANBE , July 17, Asia-Plus - “Criminal proceedings instituted against the former director of Tajik Aluminum Plant (TadAZ) Abduqodir Ermatov have been temporarily suspended,” Adbusami Dodoboyev, First Deputy Prosecutor-General, announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on July 17. 

According to him, the case has been suspended because his is still internationally wanted.  

According to information from the Tajik Prosecutor-General’s Office, the diplomatic channels as well as Interpol have also been attached to search for him. 

“According to unofficial information, Mr. Ermatov is currently living in London but it is still hard to speak about his extradition,” said Mr. Dodoboyev, “ Tajikistan and the Great Britain do not have an appropriate agreement on extradition of criminals.” 

Abduqodir Ermatov headed TadAZ from 1999 to 2004.  On December 6, 2004 , he was appointed Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade, on December 8, 2004 , criminal proceedings were instituted against him.  Mr. Ermatov faces charges of abuse of office, fraud, embezzlement, and forgery. 

Abduqodir Ermatov has been internationally wanted since 2005.   A total amount of embezzlements revealed at TadAZ have been reported at US$160 million, and Mr. Ermatov has given a written undertaking not leave a place.  However, in March 2005, he fled the country for Moscow , and from there he went to London .