Moscow, 18 July 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Russian prosecutors today said they are investigating the murder of several people who had disputes with Russia's largest oil company, Yukos. Interfax news agency reported that the state prosecutor's office said it is investigating seven separate cases against Yukos, including five murder and attempted murder cases. Two probes relating to fraud and tax evasion are also being conducted.
All the victims in the murder cases were either local officials or involved in the oil industry.
The European Commission today called on Russian officials to resolve their various probes into Yukos "in accordance with the law." Richard Wright, the European Union's ambassador to Moscow, said the Yukos affair is creating a "climate of instability" in Russia and abroad.
All the victims in the murder cases were either local officials or involved in the oil industry.
The European Commission today called on Russian officials to resolve their various probes into Yukos "in accordance with the law." Richard Wright, the European Union's ambassador to Moscow, said the Yukos affair is creating a "climate of instability" in Russia and abroad.