Russian former Prime Minister Kasyanov returns to work despite probe

Former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov returned to work in Moscow on Monday after a long holiday in Europe, dashing rumours he might stay abroad while prosecutors investigate his purchase of a luxury villa.
But he was immediately quoted as saying his consultancy firm was now being investigated by tax inspectors and he suggested the probe was the latest episode in what he has called a Kremlin campaign to destroy him as a political rival.
Prosecutors are already looking into allegations Kasyanov, a Kremlin critic who has hinted he may run for president in 2008, pulled strings when in office to acquire the riverside villa on prime real estate outside Moscow.
Some analysts had suggested he might not return to Russia from his holiday to avoid arrest, but his spokeswoman said he had been back in Moscow since late last week.
Kasyanov, who denies the charges against him, said the firm he set up earlier this year, MK-Analytica, had been notified by the local tax inspection office it was to be audited.
The tax inspectorate could not immediately be reached for comment and it was not clear if the tax probe was linked to the villa investigation.
"They are going to check the legality of our tax payments," Interfax news agency quoted Kasyanov as saying.
"It is obvious this is being done with one simple aim: to get information on our clients ... in order to put pressure on our business partners," Interfax quoted him as saying.
Kasyanov was prime minister for about four years until President Vladimir Putin abruptly sacked him in 2004.
He returned to Russia for a few days in July, soon after the launch of the real estate investigation, but quickly left the country again.
In July, he issued a statement saying the villa probe was consistent with a Kremlin policy of using compliant prosecutors and judges to destroy all political opposition.
Though Putin, under the constitution, must step down in 2008, analysts say he wants to ensure the election of a hand-picked heir rather than a rival like Kasyanov.
Some observers have expressed doubts that the cautious Kasyanov is prepared to set himself up in opposition to the powerful Kremlin.
But he signalled his defiance on Monday, saying he planned to take part in local and national elections over the next three years, Interfax reported.
He did not though, specify what form that participation would take.