The court extended the arrest of Kirov Region Governor Nikita Belykh for four months

The Basmanny Court of Moscow extended the arrest of the former governor of the Kirov region Nikita Belykh, accused of taking a bribe, for four months, reports RIA Novosti . Thus, Judge Elena Lenskaya granted the investigation’s request to extend the preventive measure against the former governor.

According to investigators, while at large, Belykh can hide, continue to engage in criminal activities, hinder the investigation in the case by destroying documents, as well as put pressure on witnesses and persuade them to give testimony favorable to him. The former governor did not agree with the investigators.

“Half of what is said by the investigator and the prosecutor’s office is based on the fact that I have official authority. I have already been removed from my position and cannot put any pressure on the administration in any way. This is all absurd, like many other things he said,” Belykh explained. However, Lenskaya extended the arrest of the former official until December 24.

Belykh was detained at the end of June in one of the Moscow restaurants on suspicion of receiving 400 thousand euros as a bribe for the patronage of Novovyatsky Ski Combine JSC and Forestry Management Company LLC, controlled by the bribe-giver. Belykh himself denies his guilt. On July 28, Vladimir Putin suspended him from work due to loss of confidence.