Scotland Yard has said it is "assessing" anti-Putin comments made by Russian exile Boris Berezovsky "to determine if any offences may have been disclosed".
The tycoon had reportedly told the Guardian he was bankrolling people close to President Vladimir Putin who were planning a coup, adding: "We need to use force to change this regime."
But in a later statement he sought to "clarify issues" surrounding the interview. He said: "I do support direct action. I do not advocate or support violence."
A Scotland Yard Spokesman said: "We are currently assessing the contents of a Guardian article ... to determine if any offences may have been disclosed. We will also be liaising with the CPS in due course."
He added: "We do not have an investigation as we speak. We are assessing to see if one is required."
