The Russian billionaire who helped fund the Siberian mall where 64 people – most of them children - died in a fire says he intends to return to Russia, amid questions of his ownership of the shopping centre.
Denis Shtengelov has also told SBS News exclusively he is "fully cooperating" with Russian authorities and is demanding a full investigation into the tragedy.
"This should never have happened," he said, adding he was "deeply affected" by the incident.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to all the families who have lost loved ones. I want to see a full and transparent investigation into how so many lives were lost to ensure this never happens again."
Mr Shtengelov lives with his family on the Gold Coast, where he owns a sports facility managed by his sister. He splits his time between Australia and Russia, where his snack food company is based.
Denis Shtengelov owns the KDV Sports Centre on the Gold Coast. Source: Facebook
Funerals for the 64 dead, including 41 children, began in Russia on Thursday, as the country observed a national day of mourning.
Among those buried were eight-year-old Konstantin and 10-year old Maria, who were watching cartoons with their grandmother when they were killed inside a locked cinema.
Questions have circled around the billionaire owner of Russian confectionary giant KDV Group, as the manager of the mall and the security guard accused of turning off fire alarms both appeared in a Russian court overnight.
Mr Shtengelov, however, has again denied claims he co-owns the building.
"I am an investor in the Winter Cherry shopping mall, not an owner," he said.
The businessman says he’s also committed to establishing a compensation fund with the local administration for the victims’ families.
"I have transferred three million roubles (AUD$67,000) for each victim of the accident to the city authorities," Mr Shtengelov said.
And he was willing to go back to Russia to face questions, despite telling Russia media earlier he was not planning to.
"I am fully cooperating with the authorities leading the investigation and I intend to return to Russia in the near future," he said.
The Australian Attorney-General’ Department says it could not comment on whether it had received any representations from Russian officials on the matter.
"As a matter of long-standing practice the Australian Government does not comment publicly on extradition matters, including whether it has received an extradition request, until the person is arrested or brought before a court pursuant to the request," a spokesman told SBS News in a statement.
Russia's ambassador to Australia, Grigory Logvinov, has said he is aware of the case.
"It's up to Russian courts and relevant agencies to decide whether he (Shtengelov) is wanted in Moscow or in Russia to be questioned or not," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
Russian investigators say the fire was likely the result of an electrical short circuit - although they haven't ruled out arson.
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