Gontmakher, one-time head of seafood supplier Global Fishing in Seattle, had been refused permission to leave Russia as the second case against him was being launched, and his release was unexpected. After landing in the United States, he said nothing about the circumstances of his return; nor did his wife or attorney.
Gontmakher, 53, had sought to be released on health grounds. Medical examinations showed he had been suffering bouts of arrhythmia, and he argued that he required treatment in the United States.
