The World's Billionaires Net Worth

Ever wondered who the top richest men in the world are? Forbes has the answer.

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/10/07billionaires_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Networth.html

"Third World Kleptocracy"

Russian President Vladimir Putin is rumoured to have accumulated greater than $40billion in assets. Russian political scientist Stanislov Belkovsky stated that Vladimir Putin has controlling stakes in up to 3 Russian energy companies.

Among them, he has:

37% stake in Surgutneftegaz, an oil exploration company
4.5% stake in Gazprom, a state energy giant as well as a
50% stake in Gunvor, a Swiss based oil trading company

Since Stanislov Belkovsky is unable to substantiate his claim, he is reputed by Putin's spokeman Dmitry Peskov.

Unfortunately, this piece of news be it true or false, has already been reported in Washington and Moscow Times.