Vladimir Antonov Falsely Accused of Wrong-Doing Says Leading Swedish Newspaper

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Dec 16, 2010, 11:55 ET

STOCKHOLM, December 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish newspaper, Dagens Industri, has reported that Vladimir Antonov has been subject to a Swedish Government investigation which shows there is no evidence of corruption against the Russian businessman.

The report which was commissioned by the Swedish Government and conducted by international risk consultancy company, Kroll, showed that there was no evidence that Vladimir Antonov or any of his companies are or have been involved in organised crime or money laundering.

It was in February 2010 that Dutch sports car maker, Spyker bought Saab Automobile from GM. A prerequisite for the deal was that Vladimir Antonov stepped down as Chairman and majority shareholder in Spyker due to allegations of illegal business and money laundering.

Saab's President, Victor Muller said to the newspaper: "That's what I have been saying. Antonov has been falsely accused, he is an honest man and must have his reputation restored."

Vladimir Antonov is a Russian entrepreneur, banker and turnaround specialist. He is Chairman of the international business group, Convers Group which includes Bank Snoras, Investbank, Latvijas Krajbanka, Grffon Bank and Banco Trasatlantico among other assets all over the world. He is passionate about all aspects of the automotive industry from development to production and especially R&D.

    Full Dagens Industri story below (translated from Swedish):

    Antonov cleared of criminal charges modified
    2010-12-16 06:25
    http://tinyurl.com/36hobuw

No evidence found that the former Chairman of Spyker Vladimir Antonov has been involved in organised crime according to two independent reports says Dagens Industri (DI).

It was in February that Dutch sports car maker Spyker bought the Saab Automobile from GM. A prerequisite for the deal was that Vladimir Antonov disappeared as Chairman of Spyker.

Sources of DI say that GM suspected Vladimir Antonov was involved in questionable and downright illegal business, such as money laundering.

The Swedish government commissioned U.S. firm Kroll to conduct and independent examination of Vladimir Antonov and his businesses as part of the deal negotiations.

DI has read the report. Kroll found no evidence of wrong doing. Antonov was also acquitted in another investigation which he himself initiated after GM stopped him from becoming the owner of Saab. No evidence has been found that Vladimir Antonov or any of his companies are or have been involved in organized crime or money laundering.

Saab's President Victor Muller has made no secret that he wants back Antonov back.

"That's what I have tried to say all the time. Antonov has been falsely accused, he is an honest man and must have his reputation restored," he says to the DI.

SOURCE MediaCom.se