NIZHNY NOVGOROD, March 7 - RAPSI. Criminal cases were opened against several banks and insurance companies suspected of collusion, the Federal Antimonopoly Services Perm Department reported.

The first case was initiated against NB Trust bank and Renaissance Life insurance company.

The antimonopoly watchdog suspects the bank and the insurer of violating the antitrust legislation by imposing disadvantageous terms when granting loans, the service reported.

The suspects in the second case are Rusfinance Bank, Rosstrakh and Sozhekap Life Insurance, which allegedly breached the law at the insurance market when issuing car loans.

The watchdog started looking into the companies upon their clients requests.

"The collusions between banks and insurance companies have become a major trouble," the service noted.

In both cases illegal activities limited competition at the insurance market and violated customers interests.