Kremlin critic found dead

Sixty-seven-year-old Berezovsky died in his home near London, Russian state news agencies reported Saturday.

Berezovsky, a former Kremlin insider, who later became a critic or Russian President Vladimir Putin was living in London, having been granted British asylum.

"Yes, he is dead. It was confirmed to me by his private lawyer this afternoon," his spokesperson, Tim Bell, told news agency AFP.

Egor Schuppe, Berezovsky's son-in-law told broadcaster Russia Today he was depressed and failed to keep in contact with family and friends.

There has been no other official confirmation of his death or details given of the cause.

British police have not made any comments about the report.

In December, Berezovsky lost a multi-million pound legal battle with Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich. He was ordered by a court to pay 35 million pounds ($56 million, 43.1 million euros) in legal costs after losing a damages claim, the High Court in London said.

He had been convicted and jailed on embezzlement charges in absentia by Russian courts.

jlw/kms (Reuters, AFP, dpa)