mesbooks 62. Released on parole
62. Released on parole
IK-3 Correctional Institution, Kharpu, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia.
Because this prison is located in the permafrost zone north of the Arctic Circle, it is one of the most remote and harshest prisons in Russia and is often referred to by the media as the "Arctic Wolf".
Natasha's brother, Pyotr Ivanov, was imprisoned here. He voluntarily surrendered 50 million rubles in embezzled funds and fines, resulting in a significant reduction in his sentence and his successful parole.
The prison gates opened.
Peter slowly walked out, first taking a deep breath of the air filled with the feeling of freedom, and then hugging Aunt Dalia who was walking towards him.
He then turned to look at his stepmother, Elena, who had come to pick him up, and finally looked up at the sky, shouting, "I'm finally out!"
-
Hotel suite.
Peter was eating voraciously, drinking one glass of vodka after another, seemingly without end.
"Eat slowly, your dad said your meals are pretty good."
"That's him." Peter burped, continued stuffing his mouth, and said in a moment, "When I was in prison in Moscow a couple of years ago, my conditions were alright. But since I was exiled to the Arctic Wolves, I've been eating frozen meat and canned food every day. I can only eat fresh vegetables for three or four months a year, let alone fruit."
Peter downed another glass of vodka and said, "They do sell liquor; as long as you can afford it, someone will bring it in. But it's all low-alcohol, so it has no taste at all. The high-alcohol stuff might be used for arson."
Dalia cautioned, "You're on parole now, not released after serving your full sentence. You absolutely cannot commit any new crimes. Don't take this lightly."
"Even if I behave myself and don't commit any new crimes, if Potanin is unhappy and wants to send me back, it's just a matter of a word." Peter saw things clearly. After choking on his words, he took a sip of wine and said to Elena, "Potanin released me so that I could raise money. You'd better hand over all your family assets."
Elena refused, saying, "No."
Peter stared at him, demanding, "What do you mean?"
Dalia quickly tried to smooth things over: "Don't worry, Elena and I have already discussed it. We can ransom them, but the money has to be laundered first."
"Nobody knows what Potanin is thinking. What if we hand over the money and he goes back on his word? Not only will the dirty money be confiscated, but you'll also have to go back to jail, and the combined punishment for multiple crimes will be even harsher."
"Isn't this a bit too cautious?" Peter frowned.
Elena stated truthfully, "House prices in Russia have skyrocketed. The properties your father left behind are now worth over 900 million."
"We can afford the price of caution."
"What I mean is to launder all these assets out of the country, turn them into legitimate funds, and leave the remaining money overseas after paying the ransom."
Peter asked, "Is there a way?"
Dalia said, "Yes, your Chinese brother-in-law is helping us launder money."
"Time flies. Natasha is already married. It's a pity I couldn't attend her wedding," Peter said with a gentle sigh.
Dalia said, "They already have a baby, born on January 1st. She and Roman are in the process of immigrating and preparing to settle in Miami."
"That's good," Peter asked. "Why didn't my wife come to pick me up?"
Dalia comforted her, saying, "She married and moved to England with her child. You two are already divorced. Let bygones be bygones."
"I understand." Peter nodded slightly, adjusted his expression, and said, "Since you already have a complete plan and have everything arranged, I won't cause you any trouble."
Elena suddenly said, "If you want to help, there is indeed something I need your help with."
Dalia looked displeased, but it was too late.
"What is it?" Peter noticed his aunt's expression.
Elena said, "Your father's properties were all held on his behalf by an old friend..."
Peter interrupted, "Our family has fallen on hard times, and property prices have gone up. Money can be a powerful motivator. Is someone trying to take advantage of this situation and steal the assets we're holding in trust?"
Elena: "That's right."
“It’s definitely more appropriate for me to handle this on behalf of my father than for you,” Peter said, turning to Dalia. “Don’t worry, Aunt. I know how uncomfortable it is to be locked up in there. I know what I can and cannot do.”
"The sooner we get the money back, the sooner you can reunite with your uncle."
Peter stretched and rubbed his stomach, saying, "I'm full."
"I haven't met my Chinese brother-in-law yet. I'd like to meet him sometime and see what Natasha's taste is like."
"By the way, how much did he pay my fine? I have to remember that favor."
Dalia looked at her strangely and didn't say anything.
Elena forced a smile and replied, "One ruble."
Peter was filled with questions.
-
Although Hongxing Factory rents out warehouses, it does not provide security services; tenants have to find someone to watch over them themselves.
Living in the same factory area, everyone sees each other all the time. Shopee's canteen and bathhouse not only serve its own employees, but are also open to the public.
noon.
Li Xiang was eating at the restaurant when he called over Wuyun Gerile, who was in charge of logistics.
"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with the food?"
"I have something to ask you. Please sit down."
Uyungerile sat down and looked in the direction Li Xiang was pointing.
"The two people in black and blue clothes look unfamiliar; I don't think I've seen them before."
Li Xiang didn't know who his "enemy" was before, but now that the enemy has come to him, he has finally obtained detailed information.
The two people he pointed out to Wuyun were undercover agents sent by the investigation team.
"He looks unfamiliar." After Li Xiang's reminder, Wuyun Gerile immediately became nervous, and his palms were sweating. "I went to Jeju Island for the New Year and didn't stay at the factory. Did one of the warehouses get a new warehouse manager? I'll go and ask around later."
"Don't alert them, let's just be careful ourselves." Li Xiang turned to look at Wu Yun and asked, "How is Subuda doing in South Korea?"
"It's fine." Wu Yun said with a slightly worried look, "It's just that the cost of living there is too high, and she doesn't have the right to work and can't find a job."
Li Xiang suggested, "Let her start a YouTube channel as a beauty blogger. She can also help us sell products. Online income is not illegal."
"Okay, I'll talk to her about it after get off work," Wu Yun said readily. "If there's nothing else, I'm off to do my work."
"Go ahead." Li Xiang buried his head in his food, but inwardly he was having some doubts.
It seems the previous smokescreen didn't work. They still think that with the money in my hands, things could get complicated if I wait any longer, so I need to get rid of it quickly.
-
The asset recovery team is having a meeting.
"Peter Ivanov has already been paroled. He paid the 50 million fine without hesitation. We really underestimated their family."
"The case involving Khodorkovsky isn't something that can be resolved by simply paying a fine. There must be some powerful figure helping out behind the scenes," Victor sighed. "If one can get out, another can. Maybe in another year or two, the Ivanov family will all be out one after another."
Victor adjusted his expression and smiled again, saying, "It's no use worrying about things that aren't our concern. If you want to take down Ivanov and earn a reward, now is the last window of opportunity. Speak your mind."