U.S. Businessman to Stand Trial in Siberia

A repeat trial of U.S. businessman Eric Shogren, who has been charged with large-scale fraud, is expected to begin in Novosibirsk in 2013. In 1996, Shogren started the New York Pizza restaurant chain in Novosibirsk. In April 2009, he was detained for allegedly committing 17 counts of criminal fraud worth 15 million rubles ($482,300). Later, the court released him on a 1 million ruble ($32,150) bail bond. The businessman used credit cards to borrow money and allegedly defaulted on his credit card debt. Shogren does not admit his guilt in full, blaming the financial crisis for his financial difficulties. The trial began in October 2010. However, the judge who presided over the trial was reappointed elsewhere as a regional court judge. The case was transferred to another judge and now the trial will have start anew.

http://www.rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20121010/264943792.html