Igor Reshetin, head of Tsniimash-Export, part of Russia's Central Research Institute for Machine Building, has been charged with divulging information on sensitive technologies to China. He also faces charges of embezzling 30 million rubles (about $1 million) through a well-organized scheme involving fake firms registered on lost or forged passports.
The Moscow City Court extended Reshetin's pre-trial detention at the request of prosecutors. Earlier in July, the Lefortovo District Court also extended his detention until October 9.
Due to the seriousness of the charges and attempts to pressure the sides involved in the criminal proceedings, the Lefortovo District Court ruled in November 2005 to arrest Reshetin, along with his two colleagues, Sergei Tverdokhlebov and Alexander Rozhkin.
The prosecution earlier said Reshetin might be able to hinder the investigation, influence witnesses and continue his criminal activities.
Tsniimash-Export, part of Russia's Central Research Institute for Machine Building, is one of the main research centers in the Russian space sector.
Founded in 1991, Tsniimash-Export has implemented more than 120 contracts for aerospace companies and firms in the U.S., China, and several other countries. The company was licensed by the Russian Federal Aerospace Agency in 1996 to work in the space industry, and has had official accreditation as a scientific company since 2001.
