Federal hospitality!!
September 1, 1999
$6.75 Million Mansion Awaits Jailed Ukrainian Owner
By TIMOTHY L. O'BRIEN
Even in a state familiar with jaw-dropping displays of wealth, a mansion set on 18 acres in northern California is opulent. Once occupied by the Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, the property in Marin County boasts two helicopter landing pads, five dog kennels, a barn-sized ballroom, granite floors inlaid with brass, and gold-plated doorknobs. And it was sold last September for $6.75 million -- in cash.
The estate's owner is a former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Pavlo Lazarenko, who ensconced his wife and children in the 41-room mansion late last year. But Mr. Lazarenko has been unable to join his family. Federal authorities are detaining him while they consider requests from Switzerland and Ukraine that he be extradited on charges of embezzling state funds and money laundering.
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Whatever the merits of the charges in Ukraine, Lazarenko's California mansion offers proof that his financial wherewithal outstrips typical government employees. The multimillion-dollar estate was purchased last September by a Sausalito, Calif., company, Dugsbery Inc., according to real estate records. But United States law enforcement officials said the real buyer is Mr. Lazarenko, who awaits his fate in a Dublin, Calif., detention center.
In a recent press release Lazarenko denied charges that he looted money from Ukraine. He said he was a victim of political intrigue back home where, not surprisingly, his personal wealth has become an issue. Hardly a thief, Lazarenko is, the statement said, "fighting to bring about gradual reform leading to an improved economic climate in his native country."
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