Berezovsky is on trial - in absentia again

A Moscow city court has upheld a decision to arrest self-exiled tycoon Boris Berezovsky in his absence.

Berezovsky is charged with stealing $US 13 MLN from Russian SBS Agro Bank.

The district court judge sanctioned the arrest on the 7th of August, saying the businessman has been running from justice since 2001.

The judge added that he had extensive connections in various government and financial entities, which could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The case dates back to 1997 when Berezovsky is accused of cheating his way into receiving funds for buying property in the South of France.

The businessman is currently in the UK as a political refugee.

Numerous requests to extradite him to Russia have been denied by Britain.