A third suspect has been added to the list of accused in the extortion case involving Igor Russol, best friend of slain underworld kingpin Yuri “the Russian” Ulianitski.
|||A third suspect has been added to the list of accused in the extortion case involving Igor Russol, best friend of slain underworld kingpin Yuri “the Russian” Ulianitski.
Simon Scott on Monday made his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court alongside Russol and the other accused in the matter, Kevin Mark Bailey of Durbanville. The trio are charged with extortion.
Russol is alleged to have extorted R650 000 and a Porsche Cayenne from businessmen around the province.
On Monday, only Russol and Bailey were expected in the dock, but Scott joined them.
Scott, wearing a faded blue T-shirt, and Russol, in a red and blue track suit, appeared tired, while Bailey, in a smart silver-grey jacket and black shirt, appeared confident and relaxed.
During proceedings, no details of Scott’s arrest or his alleged involvement in the matter were divulged. Scott handed in an affidavit and confirmed he had no previous convictions or pending cases.
The State did not oppose his release on bail and magistrate Jasthree Steyn then granted Scott R2 000 bail, the same amount Bailey was granted last week.
After the court proceedings, Scott’s legal representative, Gary Jansen, said he did not yet have clear details of Scott’s arrest, but confirmed his client had appeared on an extortion charge.
Russol is the only accused in the matter who was not swiftly granted bail because the State was opposing his release from custody.
He was expected to start a bail application tomorrow.
When Russol emerged from court after his appearance on Monday, he was handcuffed and kept his head bowed as policemen led him to an awaiting car. When the car left the court, a Flying Squad vehicle escorted it.
About three weeks ago, Russol’s business, an escort agency in Bree Street named Bedazzled, was shut down.
Last month before his arrest, Russol told the Cape Times that he partially owned several properties in the city.
A bodyguard had been present during the interview. Russol explained this was because there had been an attempt on his life in May 2010. - Cape Times
caryn.dolley@inl.co.za