Yukos shareholders' dispute

The Yukos shareholders’ dispute involved conflicts over the ownership and value of Yukos, a major Russian oil company. After the Russian government accused Yukos’ founder, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, of tax evasion, it seized and privatized parts of the company, effectively reducing shareholders’ stakes. Shareholders argued this was unfair expropriation and sought compensation through international courts. The case highlighted tensions between state control and private enterprise, raising questions about investors’ rights and the rule of law in Russia. Ultimately, the dispute centered on whether Yukos was lawfully seized or unfairly confiscated, affecting investor confidence in Russia’s legal system.