Russia Launches Fraud Probe Against Former PM

11 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Russian authorities have launched a fraud investigation against former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov.

Kasyanov is accused of involvement in a property deal that saw him acquire property below market prices.

Kasyanov today said that he conducts all his business activities within the scope of Russian law.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sacked Kasyanov in early 2004. Kasyanov has recently become an outspoken critic of Putin's administration.

(ITAR-TASS/dpa/Interfax)