Interpol search request sent for former Ulaanbaatar mayor Kh. Nyambaatar

A request has been sent to Interpol to seek an international search for Kh. Nyambaatar, the former Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar. According to iSee.mn and LiveTV.mn, prosecutors approved investigators' proposal and the request was sent through the National Central Bureau of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Mongolia.

The case so far

The Investigation Department of the Independent Authority Against Corruption proposed charging Nyambaatar in September, and the Capital City Prosecutor's Office approved an indictment decision around the 20th of that month. He is being investigated as a possible accomplice and organiser in the "Tuul expressway" case.

According to the reports, Nyambaatar left the country a few days before the indictment decision was issued. Attempts to notify him of the decision through his registered address, phone, lawyer and representatives were unsuccessful, and his whereabouts are unknown. To keep the criminal proceedings moving, investigators turned to the prosecutor again in mid-October with a proposal for an international search.

A request to Interpol does not mean Interpol has issued a notice; Interpol reviews such requests under its own rules before deciding whether to issue one.

Nyambaatar's statements

On October 24 Nyambaatar held a livestream on social media in which he sharply criticised President U. Khurelsukh. As quoted by UBN.mn, he said "parliament has ceased to exist" and that he would return to Mongolia the day the President explains his assets and income. These are Nyambaatar's own claims and have not been substantiated. He had earlier said he would announce the following week when he would return to Mongolia.