Top Russian defence official accused of taking bribes
Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov is remanded in custody in a rare case against a high-ranking official
Charges against Ivanov include receiving bribes worth 3 billion roubles (£35 million) and abuse of office
Ivanov, 61, was detained on Tuesday and a court in Moscow ordered him to be held in custody for two months. The charges against him include receiving bribes worth 3 billion roubles (£35 million) and abuse of office.
The Russian defence ministry has not commented on the arrest, but Ivanov's lawyer has said that he denies the charges.
The arrest of Ivanov is a rare case against a high-ranking Russian official. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile corruption scandals in Russia, but few have resulted in criminal charges.
The arrest of Ivanov comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing international pressure over its annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
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