Anatoly Blinov, accused of orchestrating attacks on Russian opposition figures, has been released from custody after two years.

A court in Warsaw has released Anatoly Blinov from pretrial detention, placing him under police supervision instead. Blinov is currently facing charges related to the organization of attacks on Russian opposition politician Leonid Volkov and other individuals. His release follows a defense argument that he had reached the two-year maximum period for custody permitted under Polish law.

Charges and Prosecution Case

Blinov faces charges across five distinct episodes, including attacks on Leonid Volkov in Vilnius and New York, an attack on Alexandra Petrachkova, arson at a Vilnius installation, and the intent to use forged documents. Prosecutors allege these actions were carried out under the orders of an individual whose identity was revealed during a closed court session. Previous reports from Polish media suggested prosecutors linked these actions to Leonid Nevzlin, a former owner of Yukos.

Legal Proceedings

While prosecutors argued that Blinov should remain in custody due to the risk of flight, the defense successfully cited the two-year detention limit. Blinov provided a lease agreement for a Polish apartment to demonstrate his intent to remain in the country. Blinov was originally arrested in September 2024; a previous attempt to release him on bail three months later was blocked following a successful appeal by prosecutors.