Vladimir Yevtushenkov, the head of Sistema, whose interests include MTS, Russia’s largest mobile operator and also a leading provider of pay-TV services, has been put under house arrest.
Local media reports that the Investigative Committee has accused him of money laundering in connection with the acquisition of shares in the oil producer Bashneft.
Although Bashneft was bought by Sistema in 2009, it has recently attracted interest from the Rosneft, Russia’s leading oil producer, which has close links to the Kremlin.
Besides being the chairman of the board of directors of Sistema, Yevtushenkov is also the largest shareholder, with a 64.18% stake in the company.
