Today in Russian Business – Jan 12th, 2009

Russia’s ruble is now at its weakest level in almost six years after the central bank devalued the currency again for the 13th time in two months on the first official trading day of 2009.  Despite the measure being widely protested last month, customs tariffs will take effect today, making it more expensive to import vehicles into Russia.  A former KGB analyst outlines a potential plan to implement Russia’s world economic domination.  Some of London’s prime properties have come down by up to 50% because Russian buyers have pulled out of the market, says The Times.  The British press is taking a particular interest in oligarch Alexander Lebedev after it was reported last week that he had tried to buy the Evening Standard newspaper.  Look out Russia: Wal-Mart is on its way.