An officer in the Russian police's anti-corruption unit has been detained on suspicion of taking a bribe of $500,000, the Interior Ministry said.
The officer from the Chief Directorate of Economic Security and Combating Corruption had been under investigation by the internal affairs department on suspicion of trying to extort the money from a businessman in exchange for dropping an investigation against him, the ministry said in a statement issued late Wednesday night.
The officer was detained when the money changed hands, the ministry said.
The suspect will be dishonorably discharged and will face trial, the statement said, adding that his commanding officers will face disciplinary sanctions.
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.
