Former chief physician and his accomplice stood trial for embezzlement of 2 million manats from the son of a former head of the Executive Authority

The trial in the criminal case of individuals accused of embezzling a large sum of money from Babaali Babazade — the son of former head of the Executive Authority Lutfali Babayev — through fraud continued in Baku. In the dock are former chief physician of the Uniklinika clinic Aruz Aliyev and his acquaintance Ekhtiram Kerimov.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Oxu.Az, the hearing took place at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, presided over by Judge Mahira Kerimova, and was devoted to hearing witness testimonies.

Witness A.O. stated that he was acquainted with the defendants and described the circumstances of the deal in detail: "This happened in 2019. I met Ekhtiram once. We were in the construction business. The land plot was registered in Babaali's name, and Ekhtiram represented his interests. After the broker forwarded the offer to us, I met with Ekhtiram. The price was agreed at 1.5 million manats. All procedures were formalized at the notary. We were told that Babaali was in Turkey. He was called to the consulate, a video call took place, and we discussed all the issues. The documents were signed by the director of the company in which I am a partner. The purchase and sale transaction was carried out by Samir."

The next court hearing is scheduled for July 16.

As a reminder, the essence of the charges is as follows: Babaali Babazade's friend Aruz Aliyev, having conspired with a third party, sold the victim's real estate for 2 million manats and embezzled the proceeds.

The events that became the subject of the criminal proceedings were preceded by a difficult financial situation. The construction company belonging to Babaali Babazade had accumulated a tax debt of 1 million manats. The entrepreneur received an official notice demanding repayment of the debt. Finding himself in a difficult position, Babaali turned to his friend Aruz Aliyev for advice.

According to the investigation's version, it was Aruz Aliyev who advised Babaali Babazade to leave the country, taking advantage of the situation with the large tax debt. Together with Ekhtiram Kerimov, he organized the departure of the former Executive Authority head's son to Turkey. While abroad, Babaali Babazade, trusting his friend, issued Aruz Aliyev a power of attorney to manage his real estate in Baku, after which the property was put up for sale.

According to the victim, Aruz Aliyev abused his trust. The defendants sold Babaali Babazade's real estate for a total of 2 million manats, but did not hand over the proceeds to the owner, spending them on personal needs. It is noteworthy that until the crime was uncovered, Aruz Aliyev held the position of chief physician at the Uniklinika clinic.

Based on the victim's complaint, Aruz Aliyev and Ekhtiram Kerimov were detained. They have been charged under Article 178.4 (fraud committed with causing significant damage) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.