MOSCOW, November 30 - RAPSI. Businessman Viktor Baturin has asked to be released on $319,000 bail in the fraud case against him, the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com) reports from the courtroom.

"The defense has asked for a more lenient measure of restraint for Baturin - 10 million ruble ($319,000) bail, house arrest, or release on his own recognizance," his lawyer said.

According to investigators, Baturin came to the Inteco development company's office to cash a counterfeit 10.8 million ruble ($344,800) promissory note.

The Inteco staff suspected the note was forged and called the police, who detained Batrin.

He was charged with attempted fraud the next day.

The case materials were then sent to court.

Inteco is a diversified company and Russia's development market leader.