Russia’s gold and currency reserves – over $150bn – are fifth largest in the world after Japan ($840bn), China ($660bn), Taiwan ($250bn), and South Korea ($over 200bn).
      
      
       In 2004, Russians salted away $9.4bn abroad, against $1.9bn in 2003. 2005, as foreseen by finance minister Mr Kudrin, will see some $4.8bn streaming out of the country.