Independent producer and head of Triada Film Denis Alekseyev was detained yesterday in Moscow and accused of misappropriating state funds, it has emerged. The charges refer to grant of 30 million roubles (around £60,000) from a fund aimed at supporting domestic productions. This was supposed to be spent on a film called Mr X on which production has not yet been completed. If he is convicted of the alleged offence, he could face up to five years in prison.
Supporters of Alekseyev have demanded his release and temporarily besieged a hospital where he was taken after complaining of feeling unwell. The arrest is part of a wider investigation into fraud within the industry but concern has been expressed about political motives as the producer's films have focused on political and anti-corruption themes.
