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Andrei Medvedev, former commander of Russian Wagner mercenaries captured in Norway. Photo/REUTERS
OSLO – Norwegian police have arrested the former commander of the Wagner mercenary group for allegedly trying to cross the border illegally to return to Russia.
Andrei Medvedev fled Russia earlier this year and sought asylum in Norway. His lawyer has confirmed Medvedev’s arrest on Saturday (23/9/2023).
Medvedev, who fled Russia in January via the Arctic border with Norway, described running away when Russian Guards opened fire on him.
He has spoken about his fighting in Ukraine as part of Wagner’s group.
Police said in a statement late Friday that a man in his 20s had been detained for trying to cross the Russian border illegally, but did not give his name.
A local Finnmark police officer refused to provide the identity of the arrested man.
Crossing the border into Russia is only permitted at designated points.
But Andrei Medvedev’s arrest was caused by a misunderstanding, his Norwegian lawyer, Brynjulf Risnes, told the news agency Reuters.
“He was there to see if he could find the place where he crossed (into Norway in January). He was stopped when he was in a taxi. He had never been near the border. He never intended to cross the border (to Russia),” said Brynjulf Risnes.
2023-09-23 13:18:18
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