MINSK, October 28 (RAPSI) – Belarusian investigators have extended the probe into detained Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner for four months, a spokesman for Belarusian Investigative Committee said on Monday.

The previous two-month probe into Baumgertner expired on Saturday, with him remaining under house arrest in Minsk.

Baumgertner was detained in Minsk on August 26. According to the Belarusian authorities, the criminal case against him was launched as the result of a probe into abuse of power allegations that led to grave damage to the public interests of Belarus, and damages to the company Belarusian Potash.

The charges followed a July decision by Uralkali to dissolve its international cartel with Belaruskali, sending potash prices spiraling down.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said that Baumgertner might be extradited to Russia if he covers the alleged losses.