Report: Russian investigators can prove fraud in Yukos privatization

MOSCOW, Mar 25 (PRIME) -- Russian investigators are about to prove that privatization of now defunct oil company Yukos was unlawful, spokesman for the Investigative Committee Vladimir Markin told radio Vesti FM in an interview broadcast Friday.

“Investigators have worked in this area and are close to proving that indeed this was so. We have certain documentary proof,” Markin said.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague ruled in July 2014 that Russia must pay U.S. $50 billion compensation to former owners of Yukos for the company’s bankruptcy ruling and asset nationalization. Russian authorities refused to fulfill the court order, and the shareholders sent claims to several countries, asking to help the fulfillment.

The shareholders are demanding arrests of Russian property in six countries, while Moscow is trying to contest the legality of the claims, Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said earlier.

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