MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia's Investigative Committee said on November 15 that Ulyukayev was caught in the act of taking a $2-million bribe for a positive appraisal that allowed Russian energy company Rosneft to buy the state's shares of Bashneft oil company.
"I do not think that the businessmen will stop coming to Russia because the minister is detained and could turn to be dishonest. The reason for his arrest is, reportedly, an internal Russian deal. It has no bearing on foreign affairs," Helg said.
Ulyukayev has been charged with taking an especially large bribe and extortion, and placed under house arrest until January 15. Putin has dismissed Ulyukayev from the post of economy minister citing lack of confidence. The ex-minister has not admitted his guilt.
