MOSCOW, November 7 (RAPSI) – The UK Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the Takeover Panel) has launched an investigation into the activities of oligarchs Alexander Zhukov, Gennadiy Bogolyubov, and Ihor Kolomoisky in connection with a suspected plot to gain control of British oil and gas exploration and production firm JKX, The Independent reported Thursday.

According to Forbes, Gennady Bogolubov and Ihor Kolomoyskyi started their career in 1990 by trading computers. They co-founded oil supplier Sentosa Ltd. in 1991. In 1992 they created PrivatBank, which quickly became one of the largest and most successful banks in the Ukraine. Later this bank became a center for a new major business holding named Privat, which includes ferroalloys, oil products, other metal products as well as mass media.

The three men are reportedly being investigated for an alleged cover-up of their collusion in the plot.

According to the report, formal disclosures filed by the oligarchs’ firms have given the impression that they had not acted in concert, but JKX management alleges that they had.

The Takeover Panel is described on its website as an independent body that aims to administer the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, and to supervise and regulate takeovers accordingly.

Zhukov is the father of Daria Zhukova, art dealer and girlfriend of billionaire Roman Abramovich.