Mongolia ex-PM bought NYC flats with corrupt funds – US
By Frances Mao
Mongolia’s former prime minister bought two luxury apartments in New York City with the proceeds of a corrupt scheme, US authorities have alleged.
Prosecutors are seeking to seize the prime real estate in midtown Manhattan, worth a total of $14m (£11m).
They allege Sukhbaatar Batbold, who served as PM from 2009-2012, bought the flats after his family-controlled firm was awarded a major mining contract.
Mining is the key industry in Mongolia. Mr Batbold has denied the accusations.
The Mongolian politician, 60, still sits in parliament.
“Mr. Batbold looks forward to his day in court, when he will have the opportunity to defend himself against these unfounded claims,” said his lawyer Orin Snyder in a statement reported by Reuters.
US federal prosecutors say he purchased two apartments just blocks away from Central Park, one at The Carlton House, a building just one block away on East 61st Street, and a condo unit in the The Park Imperial, a 70-storey glass skyscraper, just a few doors down from Carnegie Hall.
