MOSCOW, October 2 (RAPSI) – Over 100 million rubles (approximately $3 million) were embezzled when Moscow’s Bolshoi and Maly theaters went through renovation, according to a Moscow Police Department statement released Wednesday. 

“According to preliminary estimates, the federal budget [through which money were allocated] suffered losses of over 100 million rubles,” the police statement reads. There are four suspects in the case, who were not identified in the statement. 

It was revealed last July that an investigation had been launched into the embezzlement claims. Alexander Syomchenko who headed one of the private entities which was contracted for the renovation works was then named to be linked to the embezzlement.

Efforts were launched in 2005 to renovate the Bolshoi Theater, which was built in 1825. and the renovation was initially due for completion in 2008, but the project was marred by repeated schedule delays and a misspending scandal. According to investigators, the company contracted to draw up plans for the reconstruction, had been paid three times for the same work, receiving a total of 500 million rubles (over $16 million).

The theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time since the renovation work started in 2010.