MOSCOW, August 22 (RAPSI) – The Moscow City Court has upheld arrest in absentia for ex-CEO of Urban Group development company Andrey Puchkov charged with abuse of office, the court’s press service has told RAPSI.

In early August, Puchkov was put on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia in early August.

The defendant has appealed the ruling, but the appeal was dismissed.

According to the defense, investigative activities against ex-Urban Group CEO were conducted in violation of law, and the case was launched against him for weak reasons.

In July, the Moscow Region Commercial Court declared five companies affiliated to Urban Group bankrupt upon the applications filed by the Fund of defense of rights of citizens, shared construction participants.