Russian ex-real estate tycoon Sergei Polonsky appeared in front of the Appeal Court yesterday for a hearing on his potential deportation to face embezzlement charges in Russia.

Deputy prosecutor Hean Rith offered no details about the nearly two-hour closed door hearing, but said the court would announce its decision on January 13.

Polonsky defence lawyer Benson Samay maintained his client’s innocence yesterday and downplayed the charges, saying they had only been filed by Russian police, not a court.

“He did not commit any crime, it is a suspicion from police, not a crime. He is an investor, and none of his clients complained against him,” he said, characterising the charges as a “turf war” over Polonsky’s business interests.

Polonsky was arrested last year after allegedly threatening six boatmen with a knife off the coast of Sihanoukville. He was charged and released on bail after a few months, only to be rearrested after Russia’s extradition request.