Wanted Businessman Surfaces in Video With Akhmat Commander

​Russian State Duma deputy and commander of the "Akhmat" special forces unit, Apti Alaudinov, has released a video featuring Anatoly Balushkin, a businessman wanted in Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports.​

In the video, Balushkin showcases the "Plastun" all-terrain vehicle developed by the Kazakh companies "Bipek Afto" and "Asia Afto."

He highlights its design by engineers in Novosibirsk, emphasizing simplicity and reliability.​

Alaudinov suggests the vehicle could be utilized to evacuate wounded personnel and navigate challenging terrains. He compares the "Plastun" to the K-700 tractor and mentions that Russian military forces have received one unit for testing in combat conditions.​

The "Akhmat" special forces have been involved in Russia's war against Ukraine since the onset of the invasion. However, some Russian military personnel have criticized the unit for having a greater media presence than frontline engagement.​

Kazakh authorities have sought Anatoly Balushkin since August 2021 on fraud charges.

In 2017, he committed to establishing a car production facility in Oskemen with 50% localization but failed to fulfill this promise. In January 2021, a court ordered his company to pay 173.9 billion tenge in damages, after which Balushkin left Kazakhstan.

The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has declined Kazakhstan's extradition request, citing his Russian citizenship.​

On March 17, a court sentenced several top managers of "Bipek Afto" and "Asia Afto" in connection with the case.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin