Former Russian P.M. denies wrongdoing

MOSCOW, July 25 (UPI) -- Former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov Monday called the criminal charges against him part of a "libelous campaign."

Kasyanov, back in Moscow after a vacation, said the government is trying to "purge the political field" of possible opponents, Interfax news agency reported.

Kasyanov allegedly used front companies to acquire government-owned property on favorable terms on his last day in office. The charge followed a complaint by Alexander Khinshtein, a pro-government deputy to the Duma and investigative journalist.

Prosecutors say the charges are not political.