Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation against prominent opposition activist Alexei Navalny over suspected fraud and money laundering.
Officials say Navalny is being investigated over the alleged theft of $1.8 million from one of his companies.
Russian authorities already have another financial case open against Navalny. Investigators said earlier this year they suspect Navalny played a part in a scheme to steal assets from a state timber company -- totaling about $500,000 -- while he was advising a local governor in 2009.
Navalny has rejected the charges which carry a 10-year prison sentence.
Officials say Navalny is being investigated over the alleged theft of $1.8 million from one of his companies.
Russian authorities already have another financial case open against Navalny. Investigators said earlier this year they suspect Navalny played a part in a scheme to steal assets from a state timber company -- totaling about $500,000 -- while he was advising a local governor in 2009.
Navalny has rejected the charges which carry a 10-year prison sentence.
