Today in Russian Business – April 2, 2010

There has been a major raid by Interior Ministry investigators at Mirax Group’s offices as part of a probe into the alleged theft of $140,000 in electricity.  The Washington Post has an interesting article on a lawyer-turned-corporate-activist who is tackling the lack of transparency in Russian companies.  The government has approved dramatic plans to curb mark-ups on drugs spelling decreasing profits for major drug companies.  A court in Russia’s Far East has upheld a court decision compelling the Finance Ministry to pay out compensation to farmers who lost their land as a result of the Russia-China border demarcation.  Russia’s economic downturn lessened in the fourth quarter to 3.8%.  Reuters looks at why some believe Russia and Yukos will reach an out-of-court settlement.  Some major investments by state giants could be ruled illegal due to a judicial flaw, says the Moscow Times.  Oleg Deripaska is being touted for the board of Norilsk Nickel, prompting rumors that a merger of the company with his own Rusal could be on the agenda.