Jan.18, 2010, 14:13

Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli businessman Michael Cherney. He is wanted on suspicion of money laundering in Spain, where there has been a warrant out for his arrest since May of 2009.

The affair centers on just four million euros, but reports that Cherney is involved in a Russian mafia-generated money laundering scheme using local realty have been the subject of much speculation in Spain in recent months.

In 2005-2006 a number of businessman from Eastern Europe were accused of money laundering, and the investigation has not yet been completed.

But Cherney was surprised by Interpol's sudden interest in him, and says it is most likely a product of attempts by his former partner and current enemy, Oleg Deripaska, to destroy his reputation.

Cherney also blames the Russian oligarch for the entire money laundering affair, and claims he is digging his own grave. Deripaska's spokesman denied the accusations.

The business partnership between the two broke up in 2001, but they have not yet resolved the resulting conflict.