Konstantin Strukov, CEO of Yuzhuralzoloto, was prevented from departing Russia aboard his private jet despite a court order, with FSB agents intercepting the attempt, according to Kommersant.
The billionaire had planned to travel from Chelyabinsk to Turkey in his $50+ million Bombardier business aircraft. However, Rosaviatsia blocked the flight after bailiffs impounded the plane. Authorities also seized Strukov's passport, which had already been invalidated.
Representatives of Yuzhuralzoloto and Strukov's family deny any flight attempt, insisting the businessman remains in Russia voluntarily and was never detained.
On July 3, reports emerged that Russia's Prosecutor General's Office sought to nationalize five major firms, including Yuzhuralzoloto, owned by Strukov (ranked 78th on Forbes' Russian billionaires list with $1.9 billion). The company's offices were previously raided.