Boris Berezovsky found dead

The Interfax news agency cited a relative whom it did not name as saying Berezovsky, 67, who had been granted asylum in Britain, died at his home there. Alexander Dobrovinsky, a Russian lawyer for the oligarch, was also cited by Interfax as saying he had died. Tim Bell, a spokesman for Berezovsky, confirmed the death to the AFP news agency. British police said on Saturday that they had launched a full investigation into the "unexplained" death of the exiled Russian tycoon. "Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation into the death of a 67-year-old man at a property in Ascot, Berkshire. His death is currently being treated as unexplained and a full inquiry is under way," the force said in a written statement.

The area around Berezovsky's estate was cordoned off by police as the investigation got under way.
 
Berezovsky lost a bitter multi-million pound legal battle with fellow tycoon and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich last year. He was seeking more than $4.75 billion in damages from Abramovich after accusing his rival of blackmail, breach of trust and breach of contract.
 
Berezovsky settled in Britain more than a decade ago after going into "self-imposed exile".
 
He has already been convicted and jailed in absentia by Russian courts on embezzlement charges.
 
On Saturday, following the news of his death, a spokesperson for Russian President Putin said that Berezovsky had asked the president for forgiveness and permission to return to Russia shortly before his death.