Russian businessman’s escape from house arrest in Italy sparks controversy.
Russian Businessman Escapes House Arrest in Italy
The escape of Artem Uss, a 40-year-old Russian businessman who was held under house arrest near Milan since November 2022, has sparked a debate in Italy. Uss, who faced charges of money laundering, violating sanctions, and arms smuggling, had broken his electronic shackles on March 22 and fled.
Opposition parties in Italy, such as the Democratic Party and More Europe (+Europa), have demanded an explanation from the government about how Uss escaped. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meloni expressed concern over the incident, stating that there were “anomalies” in the situation. He further commented that the Milan Court of Appeal’s decision to continue the person’s house arrest was the “main anomaly.”
Subsequently, Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio initiated an investigation against the judges who decided to keep Uss under house arrest. According to the Milan Court of Appeal, Uss was placed under house arrest after the US extradition request was not sent to them promptly, despite the decision to remain in prison being overturned.
Uss was arrested in Italy in October 2022, following an international arrest warrant issued against him. The Milan Court of Appeal had decided on November 25 to keep the Russian businessman under house arrest with electronic shackles. One day after his extradition to the United States was approved, Uss escaped from house arrest, which Italian authorities only realized when the signals from his electronic shackles were no longer detected.
There are reports that the Russian secret service may have aided in Uss’s escape. The US had previously warned the Italian Ministry of Justice about the possibility of Uss escaping. Russian news agency RIA Novosti also recently reported that Uss was in Russia.
The distinctive escape of Uss highlights the legal issues faced by Italy and the limitations of its justice system. The case raises questions about whether the allies of Uss were involved in his escape and whether it signals a broader security issue for Italy.
