Other factories involved in the deal are thought to have close ties to the governor of the Samara region, Konstantin A. Titov, a leading figure in the Union of Right Forces.

"The charge alleges that between Jan. 1, 1994, and Dec. 31, 1995, they defrauded the administration of the Samara region of 60 billion rubles whilst being directors of Logovaz," the police said.

A few cases of kidnapping have also occurred, a recent one being in 1998, when two male missionaries were abducted while working in the Samara region of Russia.

By the end of 1995, it was estimated the Solntsevskaya group controlled about 120 legitimate firms and businesses in the Moscow, Crimea, and Samara regions.

Samara region - 20th century limestone quarries.

"One always wants to respond to force with force," Konstantin A. Titov, the liberal governor of the Samara region, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

TogliattiAzot is one of the largest taxpayers in Samara region.

Russia's auto industry has largely been centered in the city of Togliatti in the Samara region and in Nizhny Novgorod.

Both GM and AvtoVaz have an interest in working with the more than 200 automotive component manufacturer suppliers in the Samara region to improve the quality of their products and upgrade their technology.

Since 1991 he was the first Deputy Head of Administration of Samara region, being in charge of financial-economic bloc.