Lawyers for former Russian nuclear energy minister Yevgeny Adamov have appealed a Swiss decision ordering his extradition to the United States on corruption charges.
American officials accuse Mr. Adamov of embezzling nine million dollars in U.S. funds earmarked for securing Russian nuclear sites.
Russia has formally protested the Swiss decision, calling it a violation of international law. The foreign ministry said Tuesday that Moscow intends to take part in the extradition procedure to protect its own interests. Moscow fears he could divulge nuclear secrets during a U.S. trial.
Mr. Adamov was arrested in Bern in May on a U.S. warrant. He is also wanted in Russia for alleged fraud.
Swiss authorities say they are sending him to the United States because U.S. authorities indicted him first.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters.
