MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia's Investigative Committee said last week that former Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was caught in the act of taking a $2-million bribe for a positive appraisal that allowed Russian energy company Rosneft to buy the state's shares of Bashneft oil company.
Ulyukayev has been charged with taking an especially large bribe and extortion, and placed under house arrest until January 15. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ulyukayev from the post of economy minister citing lack of confidence. The ex-minister has not admitted his guilt.
"The president spoke in Lima, and said he would return and address [the appointment issue]. So, some proposals should be expected. I think you will get to know soon, over the next few days," Peskov said when asked about the date when the new minister will be appointed.
Putin said Sunday he was considering several candidates for the post of the economic development minister.
