Criminal Case Opened Against Ousted Kyrgyz President's Son

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's Prosecutor-General's Office has opened two criminal cases against the second son of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Maksim Bakiev, who was the head of Agency for Investment and Economic Development, is formally accused of embezzlement and abuse of power.

The Prosecutor-General's Office said that last year Bakiev, 33, illegally transferred at least $35 million of a $300 million Russian loan to accounts at several banks under his control.

He and his business associates allegedly used the rest of the Russian loan to buy and sell shares on foreign stock exchanges.

Bakiev's whereabouts are unknown.

He was on a flight to the United States for an official visit to Washington when antigovernment protesters clashed with security forces in the northwestern city of Talas on April 6.