Russian hit on McDonald's

MOSCOW - Russia's tax authorities have demanded millions of dollars worth of back taxes from the local operations of McDonald's, sparking fears that they plan a new wave of claims from both Russian and foreign-owned companies.

Documents obtained by a newspaper show that the fast-food company, which has 183 outlets in Russia, was slapped with a retrospective tax bill of more than $8 million in August.

McDonald's was accused of obtaining ingredients from unlicensed companies, and selling items at a discounted tax rate.

The company denies it is liable for additional taxes.

- Independent