Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition leader, charged with fraud

GlobalPost

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition activist, has been charged with money laundering and defrauding a transport company of $1.8 million. 

Navalny’s brother Oleg has also been accused, allegedly for helping Alexei create a shipping company and only delivering $1 million worth of goods on an $1.8 million bill, UPI reported

Known for his anti-corruption efforts, the 36-year-old lawyer and blogger described the charges as "complete nonsense," the BBC News reported, pleading not guilty and saying that the charges are politically motivated.

Navalny's charges come as Vladimir Putin continues to exert pressure on his opponents.

If found guilty, Navalny could face up to two years in prison. In addition, earlier charges of theft may put him in jail for up to 10 years, according to Kyiv Post

Navalny, who is active on Twitter and often tweets ironic comments about the charges against him and his brother, tweeted that the charges are "the end of me."

More from GlobalPost: Alexei Navalny, Russian activist, faces another fraud charge

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