Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has taken a new procedural decision within the criminal case against former Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev and other individuals accused of actions aimed at the seizure of state power.
According to information reported by local media, investigators have decided to formally involve Abbas Abbasov, a former First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, in the ongoing investigation. As Abbasov is currently believed to be outside the country and unavailable to investigators, he has been placed on a wanted list.
Abbas Abbasov served as First Deputy Prime Minister from 1992 to 2006, during which time he also chaired several state commissions. Following his dismissal from office, he relocated to the Russian Federation, where he has resided for many years.
Law enforcement authorities allege that in subsequent years Abbasov was involved in activities aimed at exerting influence over Azerbaijani diaspora structures in Russia through unlawful means. He is cited as the founder and head of the Union of Azerbaijani Organizations of Russia, established in 2012 and informally known as the “Union of Billionaires.”
Investigators note that a number of political figures later associated with opposition initiatives in Azerbaijan were also linked to the organization’s coordinating bodies during that period. Authorities argue that concerns raised as early as 2012 about the group’s potential political role were later reinforced by developments in 2013.
According to the SSS, materials added to the criminal case include financial records of funds allegedly transferred to Azerbaijan through various channels, as well as audio and video recordings, documentation of meetings held abroad, and other evidence that investigators say relates to plans for the violent overthrow of Azerbaijan’s constitutional order.
Officials stated that these materials are expected to be presented publicly during open court proceedings as the case moves forward.
