GROZNY. Feb 17 (Interfax-AVN) - Chechen Prosecutor Vladimir Kravchenko said the disappearance of Aslan Maskhadov's relatives may be a provocation.
"Several theories are being considered, including a provocation possibly organized by leaders of illegal armed groups in an attempt to discredit state organizations and get into the limelight," Kravchenko told Interfax by phone.
He said an examination of basements in the village of Tsentoroi and the questioning of Chechen Deputy Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov have given lie to assertions that the presidential security service might have been involved in the kidnapping.
"However, the prosecutor's office has no reasons for terminating the investigation before individuals involved in the kidnapping have been found and motives of the crime established.
He said eight criminal cases have been initiated into the kidnapping of eight relatives of Chechen separatists since the beginning of the year.
"The theories currently being considered include federal forces' possible involvement and a ransom," said Kravchenko.