Yukos Boss Ruined Russia

President Vladimir Putin said Monday that former Yukos boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky had caused damage to Russian citizens, his partners and investors, Mosnews.com reported.

?People acting behind the back of the state cause damage to their compatriots, foreign partners and investors who are trying to work or are working in our economy,? Putin told Dutch media prior to his state visit to the Netherlands.

?If the law is violated, the state should respond to it according to effective legislation,? Putin said commenting on Khodorkovsky?s verdict. ?This is not an element of destabilization, but of state stability and power.?

He also said people like the former Yukos head were the roots of corruption.

Speaking about the stir that Khodorkovsky?s case caused worldwide, the president said, ?if you managed to make a fortune worth billions of dollars in five to six years, I assure you that you would cause any stir protecting your interests in Europe and the world.?

Khodorkovsky, 42, was arrested two years ago and charged with tax evasion, a move that many viewed as punishment for his support of political opposition groups. Earlier this month he arrived at the YaG 14/10 camp outside the town of Krasnokamensk, near the border with China.