Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky – a wanted man in Russia over a failed $176 million construction project – left Israel late last week bound for Cambodia, Russian media has reported.

Reports say Polonsky, the subject of a violence-at-sea case in Preah Sihanouk, fled from Israel – where he has applied for citizenship – and was headed for the Kingdom via Bangkok. One report said he had already arrived in Cambodia.

A spokeswoman from Polonsky Press, the tycoon’s personal PR office, refused to comment yesterday on his whereabouts.

“When Mr Polonsky decides to make an official statement, I will let you know,” she said in an email.

Reports have suggested Russia was poised to ask Israel to extradite Polonsky when his tourist visa expired in late September.

The businessman faces intentional violence charges in Cambodia that could bring him three years in prison, but authorities have said they will deal with his case here before considering any requests to extradite him.

Tel Samuth, Polonsky’s court translator during his pre-trial detention in Preah Sihanouk early this year, said he had contacted Polonsky in Israel last month.

“When we contacted the court, we were told his case is still being investigated,” Samuth said. He said this meant a trial date had not yet been set.

Samuth added: “I heard Polonsky wants to come back to Cambodia.”

Investigating judge Sar Lina said she did not have any information about Polonsky’s whereabouts.