Police Question Akhmetov in Connection with Criminal Case

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian police on Sept. 26 questioned the country's wealthiest tycoon as a witness in several criminal cases.

Rinat Akhmetov, a coal and steel magnate, "gave full answers to all questions" of police investigators, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Inna Kisel said, refusing to elaborate. No details were available on what criminal cases Akhmetov was asked about.

The tycoon and his businesses have faced increasing pressure since Viktor Yushchenko became president in January and began a government crackdown on shady business deals dating back to the administration of former President Leonid Kuchma.

Akhmetov's U.S.-based lawyers have described all the investigations involving their client as politically motivated.

Last month, police stormed and searched the tycoon's office in his native town of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine in connection with an investigation into tax evasion and abuse of power.

In July, police summoned Akhmetov for questioning about an alleged 1988 assassination attempt, but Akhmetov did not appear. His company said he was abroad and insisted the summons was not mandatory.

Yushchenko's government has regained control over an important steel mill that was bought last year by Akhmetov and the son-in-law of former President Leonid Kuchma in a highly criticized privatization deal.

Forbes magazine lists Akhmetov as Ukraine's wealthiest tycoon, with an estimated fortune of $2.4 billion (2 billion euros). Besides steel and metals holdings, he is also the owner of a top soccer club and a major television station.

Also Sept. 26, police summoned Kuchma's one-time administration chief Viktor Medvedchuk as part of an investigation into the awarding of medals and state honors to the ex-leader's alleged cronies. Medvedchuk was not immediately available for comment.

Medvedchuk, who now heads the opposition Ukrainian Socialist Party (United), was also summoned for questioning in July. He did not appear, and his party accused police of persecuting the government's political opponents.

Source: AP