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Corruption probe linked with Defense Ministry

An inquiry into Oboronservis, a holding company controlled by the Defense Ministry, has led to a large-scale investigation. The decision was made to dismiss Anatoly Serdyukov from his position as defense minister on the basis of ensuring impartiality in criminal investigations. Several top officials were detained or placed on house arrest. Five fraud cases have reportedly been initiated so far over the sale of property, land and shares belonging to the holding company.

Berezovsky vs. Abramovich dispute, the discreet charm of Russian business

The London High Court began hearing Boris Berezovsky's $5.5 billion lawsuit against Roman Abramovich on October 3. Berezovsky seeks compensation for assets he was forced to sell to Abramovich between 2000 and 2003, shortly after his flight from prosecution in Russia. Berezovsky claims in his lawsuit that Abramovich intimidated him and his business partner Badri Patarkatsishvili into selling a number of assets, including a 43-percent interest in the Sibneft oil company and a stake in the Rusal aluminum group, at a fraction of their value.