British media reported Wednesday that police in London had foiled an assassination attempt on Berezovsky, wanted in Russia on fraud and coup attempt charges. Scotland Yard and Berezovsky, who has British citizenship, confirmed the reports.
"One reason why the man was not charged was because he was not armed," the paper said. "Although intelligence had led the security agencies to believe that a plot was being organized against Mr Berezovsky, there was not enough presentable evidence to put before a court, according to security sources."
Police arrested the man in his thirties June 21 after tracking him for a week from the moment he arrived in the country. The Independent quoted the sources as saying the suspect had been followed while he contacted a number of people in an attempt to buy a handgun. He was arrested after failing to acquire one.
The paper said the man had been questioned by police for two days, and then handed over to the immigration services and deported.
"It is believed the would-be assassin planned to murder Mr Berezovsky at the Hilton hotel in Park Lane," the paper said.
