Today in Russian Business – Aug 26, 2010

A group of high-ranking bankers is suspected of laundering more than $65 million a month.  ‘Russia’s stock market is currently trading at a third below its historic valuation levels.‘  Moscow’s City Hall is offering grants to help 200 residents (out of an estimated 52,100 unemployed) start businesses.  After ten years of legal wrangling, Soyuzmultifilm has won back the rights to its Soviet cartoons.  Moscow’s International Automobile show provides the perfect occasion to flood the internet with pictures of models and concept cars, such as the new ‘assassin-proofJaguar that can ‘withstand sniper fire‘.  The New York Times reports on South Africa’s bid to join the BRICs, and an FT blog looks at Russia’s position in the group.  Ukraine says it will not limit its grain exports.  Krasnoyarsk is cracking down on bread and flour prices, introducing a two-week moratorium on any increases.  The Economic Development Ministry is attempting to control growth in the state sector by capping the value of state firms’ possible acquisitions.  The crackdown on Moldova continues, with new limitations imposed on the number of companies that can export fruit and vegetables to Russia.