Mikhail Prokhorov Theater: The Upside of Prostitution

Last week, we reminded you of Comrade Prokhorov's unfortunate incident in the French Alps, with scores of Russian 20-year-old women imported for something that surely wasn't, no way, a massive orgy to celebrate the Russian Orthodox New Year. One would think such an incident would be harmful to Prokhorov. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Here's how it worked. Though Prokhorov was ultimately cleared of all charges, the arrest caused him considerable tabloidy headaches back in Russia. Prokhorov and his partner, Vladimir Potanin, ran Norilsk Nickel, a massive producer of, well, nickel. When the экскремент hit the fan post-arrest, Potanin saw it as an opportunity to push Prokhorov out and take control of the company.