Zamira Hajiyeva, the wife of a former Azerbaijani state banker serving a 15-year prison sentence for embezzlement, has been granted bail by the High Court in London. She was arrested last week by the Metropolitan Police on charges of embezzlement, at the request of Azerbaijani authorities.
Mrs Hajiyeva, 55, is subject to two Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) issued by the National Crime Agency, the first of their kind in the UK. She must explain the origin of her fortune, which includes a £15m house near Harrods, where she spent £16m.
Initially granted bail last Tuesday, prosecutors appealed, citing a flight risk. However, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker ruled there were no substantial grounds to deny bail. He ordered a £500,000 bond and electronic tagging at her Knightsbridge home.
Under her bail conditions, Mrs Hajiyeva must remain at home between 21:00 and 06:00 GMT, report daily to Charing Cross police station, avoid international transport hubs, and not apply for travel documents. She must also stay within the M25 motorway.
Azerbaijani authorities accuse her of conspiracy to defraud the national bank. The case continues.
