Rich Russian’s barmy Greek army call-up after citizenship switch backfires
Published: 23 June, 2008, 12:44
A Russian multi-millionaire who became a Greek citizen has been arrested on charges of avoiding military duty.
Andrey Baklanov was stopped at the Greek airport of Saloniki while making a business trip to St. Petersburg.
The 44-year-old man got Greek citizenship believing it would help him do business in the EU. But the move has backfired spectacularly – according to Greek law every man under 45 is obliged to do national service in the country’s army.
Baklanov protested, claiming he had done his military service in the Soviet Union.
But that was given short shrift by Greek officials.
Now Baklanov is in Greece under house arrest. He is now making final preparations for three-months' service as a recruit in the Greek army.
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