Death of Russian Alexander Perepilichnyy 'not suspicious'

The death of Russian businessman linked as a witness to a high-profile corruption scandal is not suspicious, according to Surrey Police.

Alexander Perepilichnyy, 44, collapsed and died in the road near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, on the evening of 10 November.

His death was initially treated as unexplained but police have now said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Perepilichnyy is believed to have been running before he collapsed.

Surrey Police said it had passed details of his death to the coroner.

'Sergei Magnitsky affair'

Det Ch Insp Ian Pollard said: "I am satisfied that following extensive enquiries, including a post mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist and a full and detailed range of toxicology tests, there is no evidence to suggest that there was any third party involvement in Mr Perepilichnyy's death."

"This was a tragic and sudden death which attracted intense media speculation. Mr Perepilichnyy's family has had to endure this media attention at the same time as coping with the loss of a loved one, and our thoughts remain with them at this time."

Police were called to Granville Road in Weybridge on 10 November, following a report a man had collapsed. An ambulance had attended but Perepilichnyy was pronounced dead just before 17:40 GMT.

Reports in the Russian media had connected Mr Perepilichnyy to the Sergei Magnitsky affair.

Magnitsky, a lawyer for London-based Hermitage Capital Management, died on remand in a Moscow prison three years ago after allegedly uncovering a web of corruption involving Russian tax officials.

Mr Perepilichnyy had been described as a former business partner of one of the people accused by Magnitsky of fraud.