The Moscow Territorial Main Directorate of the Interior Ministry (GUVD) has opened criminal investigations against two vice presidents of the Russian-Belarusian oil producer Slavneft, Russian news agencies reported on 8 May. Yurii Sukhanov and Dmitrii Perevalov are being investigated on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and embezzlement in a probe that was initiated following the discovery of serious financial violations during an audit by the State Duma's Audit Chamber.

"Kommersant-Daily," however, noted on 8 May that the opening of the investigation coincided with an extraordinary general shareholders meeting that is expected on 13 May to elect a new company president. Sukhanov had been considered a leading candidate for the post. The State Property Committee owns a controlling share of the company, and the Belarusian Economy Ministry controls nearly 11 percent.

(RFE/RL 10.v.02)