Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, whose business is facing a squeeze amid the credit crisis, also is under investigation by U.S. and U.K. authorities in connection with a $57.5 million wire transfer last year, according to people familiar with the matter.

Separately, in a second recent blow to his industrial empire, Mr. Deripaska is ceding a stake in a German construction company, Hochtief. Just a week ago, his holding company, Basic Element, gave up a 20% stake in Canadian auto-parts maker Magna International Inc.

In a third development, the Bush administration is putting Russian economic interests under greater scrutiny, partly in response to Russia's August invasion of Georgia. Among other things, the U.S. is stepping up its reviews of Russian investments and of visa applications by Russian businessmen suspected of criminal ties. - The Wall Street Journal