Prosecutors allege fraud, kickbacks and murder-for-hire plot

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a couple living in North Carolina used a kickback scheme to defraud the Russian government and fund their lavish lifestyle.

And the man at the center of their enterprises, Leonid Teyf, is also accused of murder-for-hire. His wife and three others face charges ranging from money laundering to immigration fraud.

Court documents unsealed this week say Teyf once led a company that provided Russia’s military with equipment and services. He and others got millions in kickbacks from subcontractors, according to an indictment.

Prosecutors say he had a North Carolina mansion and set up U.S. businesses to launder money. Authorities accuse him of plotting to kill a man he suspected of having an affair with his wife. His lawyers didn’t respond to an email.