D.Nyambat, the Inspector in the Serious Crimes Department who is in charge of investigating the case of former Government Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry D.Surenkhor, answers questions on the case.

What exactly is the charge against Surenkhor?

He disappeared with MNT90 million of the Ministry’s money. He had also borrowed MNT 15 million from individuals, but his family cleared these debts when he was outside Mongolia.

Had he borrowed from MPs, politicians and ministers?

Only his friends and family members lent him money. They were paid back.

How was he able to get away from Mongolia in the start?

He did not escape during investigation, so that is not a charge against him. At the moment, he is being investigated for violating Articles 148.3 and 150.3 of the Criminal Law. The penalty for the first is seizure of property and a fine amounting to 251-500 times of the minimum wage or 5-10 years in prison. For the second, it is seizure of property and 5-10 years in prison.

What is the main evidence against him? Are Ambassador to Russia D.Idevhiten and former President N.Enkhbayar connected with the case?

The evidence is in the form of documents. We are not investigating anyone else except Surenkhor.

It is said that he kept in touch with Ya.Sodbaatar and other people from abroad. Did they tip off the police that he was coming back? Where was he in the past four years?

I don’t know where he was. He was wanted by Interpol and was arrested in Austria on March 3. We were told of this by the Austrian police and arrested him at the airport when he was sent here. He is now in Gantskhudag prison. No Mongolian source gave us any information. I don’t know whether he was in touch with his family.

Is it true that he had a flowing beard when he landed? Did he use a passport in the name of N.Batbold?

Neither rumor has any foundation. He traveled on his own passport and looked just the same, with no beard.

Is he suffering from stress-related disorders, and is he likely to be released on bail on health grounds?

His health is fine. His lawyer has not asked for bail. The law allows us 14 days to conclude the investigation.

How will the loss to the state be recovered?

He does not own any property in his name, so there is nothing to confiscate.