One of Russia's top anti-corruption officials has been arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes after a search of his home revealed stacks of cash worth $123 million.
Police arrested Dmitry Zakharchenko, deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Committee for Economic Security and Combating Corruption, after uncovering the money in his car, study and sister's apartment, the RBC news website reported.
Zakharchenko's official income has not exceeded 3 million rubles ($46,000) annually in recent years, one investigator told Moscow's Presnensky district court.
The official was detained on suspicion of abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and taking bribes, and is to remain in custody until Nov. 8.
Investigators are currently investigating links between Zakharchenko and a case against Russia's now-defunct NOTA Bank, the Russian media reported Monday.
The company, which had been among Russia's top 100 banks in terms of assets, was stripped of its license in November 2015 for violating bank regulations.
Zakharchenko maintains his innocence.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.