MOSCOW, May 4 (RAPSI) – Oleg Yezhov, a former Vice-Governor of Primorye region, has been suspected of abuse of office, according to the local Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee, RIA Novosti news agency reports on Wednesday.

Earlier, an undisclosed source has informed Novosti that Yezhov, who had been responsible for urban development, oversight of construction projects on the part of the regional government, and supervision of construction works carried out under agreements on joint funding made between future residents and building companies, but resigned on April 30, was arrested.

The regional investigative authorities have opened a criminal case against officials of the Urban Development Department and Administration of the Primorye Krai on charges of abuse of office with regard to payment for construction and installation works carried out under public contracts, investigators inform.  

Investigators report that Oleg Yezhov has been arrested as a suspect in the case. 

According to the regional investigative office, the Urban Development Department made a contract with a commercial entity to build a fire station in March 2013; however, the respective works were not completed. Nevertheless, in March through December 2013 Yezhov, fully aware of the fact, signed work acceptance certificates and gave instructions to pay the builders more than 24.5 million rubles (about $370,000), thus causing budget loss in the same amount.

Searches have been carried out in the suspect’s apartment and former office, some documents seized. At the moment, investigators decide on pre-trial restrictions to be imposed on Yezhov; it is expected the charges against him will be brought soon.