Nasrutdinov's case illustrates redistribution of influence spheres in Dagestan, experts say

The prosecution of Magomedgusen Nasrutdinov has to do with redistribution of spheres of influence in Dagestan, said the experts questioned by the "Caucasian Knot".

Let us remind you that today Magomedgusen Nasrutdinov, Vice-Premier of Dagestan, detained on suspicion of fraud, was placed in custody by the court. His defence has stated the intention to appeal against the ruling.

The case against Nasrutdinov is an episode in the process of redistribution of property and spheres of influence, observed in Dagestan after the appointment of Ramazan Abdulatipov to the post of the head of the republic and arrest of the Makhachkala Mayor Said Amirov, said Denis Sokolov, an economist and Director General of the Caucasian Centre of Project Solutions.

"It's a mixed redistribution – not only among Dagestani local elites. Certain federal groups that are seeking to establish control over the gas sector in the republic also have their interests here," Denis Sokolov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Milrad Fatullaev, the editor-in-chief of the Dagestani newspaper "Nastoyascheye Vremya" (Present Time), suggests, in his turn, that the prosecution of Nasrutdinov is carried within Ramazan Abdulatipov's policy aimed at cleaning the power.

"It's impossible to remove all the major figures at once; it's done in phases. First, they are moved to other positions, then brought down, and then closed. Nasrutdinov also fits into this scheme," Milrad Fatullaev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.