MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov) – Moscow’s Basmanny District Court has extended the house arrest of Russian Economy Ex-Minister Alexey Ulyukayev, who stands charged with extorting a $2 million bribe, until April 15, RAPSI reports from the courtroom on Tuesday.

Investigation into Ulyukayev has been extended until May 15.

Ulyukayev was arrested while receiving a bribe. He allegedly demanded Russian state-controlled oil giant Rosneft’s representative to pay him $2 million for lawfully providing a positive review and evaluation of a deal that allowed Rosneft to acquire government’s share in mid-sized producer Bashneft. According to acting spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko, the former minister threatened to create obtrusions for Rosneft with use of his position.

Ulyukayev has pleaded not guilty.

On November 15, the ex-minister was put under house arrest.

Later in the evening, President Vladimir Putin relieved Ulyukayev of his post because of loss of trust.