A former high-ranking police official has been arrested on suspicion of taking a $900,000 bribe.
Edward Sandrukyan, formerly the head of an investigative unit for transportation for the Central Federal District, was caught in a sting operation Sunday in Crocus City Mall in northwest Moscow taking $900,000 in cash, the Investigative Committee said in a statement Tuesday.
The money was part of a larger sum, $6 million, Sandrukyan expected to receive for assisting a group of businessmen seeking to start a company in Russia, Life News reported, citing information from investigators.
A criminal case has been opened against Sandrukyan with a charge of fraud.
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.
