Russian Auction Inquiry

Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin has ordered an investigation of last month's US$1.875 billion auction of a stake in Syzainvest, the former state telecommunications company. The purchase - led by George Soros, who put up nearly $1 billion - has been attacked by losing bidders.

Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin has ordered an investigation of last month's US$1.875 billion auction of a stake in Syzainvest, the former state telecommunications company. The purchase - led by George Soros, who put up nearly $1 billion - has been attacked by losing bidders.