Tax probe order for Chelsea boss

CHELSEA football club owner Roman Abramovich has been ordered by Russia's financial watchdog to attend a meeting this month to hear the results of an investigation into money laundering in the Siberian region where he is the governor.

The move may be a sign of growing pressure from President Putin on the multi-billionaire, who appears to be spending more time in Britain.

Sergei Stepashin, a close Putin ally who heads the audit chamber, is a long-time critic of Abramovich's use of tax loopholes in the far east region of Chukotka.

As The Mail on Sunday has revealed, companies linked to Abramovich in this region have employed disabled workers to qualify for huge tax exemptions.

Stepashin said: 'Many firms that worked under the governor's wing are now leaving the territory because they realise that there is no longer an offshore zone. For other firms the possibility to launder money through the tax code is gone.'

It unclear whether Abramovich will attend the 15 May meeting.

Oil giant Sibneft, Abramovich's main company, denies wrongdoing and points to a huge improvement in living standards in the remote snowy region.

Meanwhile, shares in Alternative Investment Market-listed oil company Sibir Energy remain suspended after a joint venture with Sibneft turned sour.

Sibir faces an estimated £100m loss on the deal, amid reports that Sibneft diluted its partners almost out of existence by issuing new shares.