Russian banker, once Putin aide, on Interpol list

PARIS — A Russian banker once close to Vladimir Putin is now on Interpol's most-wanted list.

Sergei Pugachev is wanted by Russian authorities on charges of misappropriation or embezzlement, according to the international police agency.

Interpol, based in Lyon, France, wouldn't provide further comment Thursday.

Pugachev, a former presidential aide once dubbed "Putin's banker," is reported to share his time between London and Monaco.

His star fell dramatically in 2010, when his company Mezhprombank lost its banking license after defaulting on loans. In 2011 Pugachev fled to London, where a court ruled in July to freeze his assets in response to the Mezhprombank default.

Pugachev's son Alexander had a business empire in France in recent years including daily France-Soir and a chain of luxury food stores.