ATHENS, October 6 (RAPSI) – Cyprus authorities have arrested 55-year-old Russian national Sergei Tyulenev in connection with the reported theft of a 19th century painting by French master Edgar Degas valued at 6 million euros, Sigma TV reported on Monday.

Tyulenev reportedly denied that he was involved in the theft.

The painting, Ballerina Adjusting Her Slipper. among other items, including seven gold watches and three gold opera glasses, worth a total of 157,000 euros ($229,000), were stolen on September 29 from a home of an art collector. The 70-year-old man from Limassol was looking for buyers for his house and part of his art collection. He reportedly inherited the painting from his great-grandmother and did not plan to sell it.

The painting was not insured, according to a police spokesperson.

Tyulenev was reportedly sought by Cyprus police because he had expressed interest in buying some paintings from the collector.