MOSCOW, February 15 (RAPSI) – A criminal case has been launched against a former Vice-Prime Minister of Crimea on suspicion of taking a large-scale bribe, the Investigative Committee’s Main Department in Crimea announced on Wednesday.

Investigators claim that the arrested official is suspected of receiving a part of a 27-million-ruble ($467,600) bribe through an intermediary. Reportedly, the suspect is former Crimean Vice-Prime Minister Oleg Kazurin who was resigned in late December 2016.

According to investigators, between August and December 2016, the suspect received money for protection during selection of a government contractor which would be involved in housing construction in Crimea.

A criminal case was also opened against an intermediary who is suspected of mediation in bribery. He is under travel restrictions.