Medvedev targets graft to stimulate business

Russian president-elect Dmitry Medvedev yesterday ordered anti-corruption steps to protect small businesses, a first sign he is serious about fighting the endemic graft economists say is hampering growth.

Arbitrary inspections by officials, from firemen to the police, are often an excuse to extort bribes from small firms and must halt, Medvedev told a State Council meeting in Tobolsk.

"This proposal might leave some officials from the fire, sanitary services and police ... close to a heart attack, because this is what they make money on, both officially and illegally," Medvedev told the Kremlin's advisory State Council.