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MOSCOW - Russian prosecutors have carried out searches of management of Euroset, Russia's largest cell phone and accessories retailer, as part of a criminal case related to alleged smuggling.
"We confirm searches of management were carried out as part of a criminal case that has been brought against the company," said a spokeswoman at the Prosecutor-General's office.
The spokeswoman declined to give details of what the case involved, other than that it was related to contraband.
A Euroset spokesman declined to comment.
Searches by prosecutors in Russia can sometimes indicate serious problems in relations with the authorities, though they often come to nothing or are resolved without a conflict.
Euroset is unlisted, but has one outstanding ruble bond due in June 2009.
It runs over 5,000 outlets in the former Soviet Union, of which 80 per cent are in Russia.
- REUTERS
