Gardener sentenced over theft, fire at ex-Gazprom official’s villa in Azerbaijan

A Baku court has sentenced 29-year-old Akper Bashirli to seven years in prison for theft, arson, and destruction of documents.

In April 2023, a fire broke out at the Shuvyalan villa of Akif Hasanov, former head of Gazprom’s Azerbaijan office.

Investigators said Bashirli stole a safe containing cash, watches, and documents, and caused significant damage.

The victim claimed losses of 450,000 manats.

The defendant partially admitted guilt but denied intentionally setting the fire.

N.Tebrizli