A businessman at the heart of a corruption scandal which in January brought down Jüri Ratas (Center) as prime minister is to be released from custody, where he has been held since shortly after Ratas resignation.
Hillar Teder, a property and retail magnate, was one of five suspects in an investigation into suspected influence peddling and bribery centered on the Porto Franco real estate development in central Tallinn.
Another suspect, former finance ministry adviser Kersti Kracht, was freed from custody last month, while the Center Party itself is also a suspect.
Teder s release follows a recent second-tier circuit court ruling, which the prosecutor s office has not challenged. He will be freed by Thursday latest.
Ärimees Hillar Teder pääseb vahi alt vabadusse
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Prokuratuur ei vaidlusta Hillar Tederi vabastamist
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Chief State Prosecutor Taavi Pern on Friday challenged the release from custody of former adviser to the finance minister Kersti Kracht who stands suspected of corruption offenses.
Pern did not agree with Tallinn Circuit Court s decision to release Kracht from custody on February 16 and has challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court. The latter must now decide whether to process the challenge.
The circuit court also ruled to release under electronic surveillance businessman Hillar Teder, while he will be released once the ruling enters into force provided the Office of the Prosecutor General will not challenge it.
Internal Security Service (ISS) operatives detained Hillar Teder and then adviser to the finance minister Kersti Kracht on January 12 following suspicions of corruption offenses. Suspicions were also brought against Center Party Secretary General Mihhail Korb and the coalition party.