The Russian government is suing the Bank of New York Mellon for $22.5 billion in a Moscow court, alleging the bank helped smuggle $7.5 billion out of the country a decade ago. The lawsuit, filed under the U.S. civil RICO statute, raises concerns about whether a Western company can receive a fair trial in a Russian court, especially when the government is the adversary. Key figures involved include Miami lawyer Steven Marks representing Russia, and Jonathan Schiller from Boies Schiller & Flexner defending the bank. The case stems from the actions of a former bank vice president, Lucy Edwards, and her husband, who facilitated illicit money transfers. The bank may be forced to settle due to the perceived lack of judicial independence in the Russian legal system.
