MOSCOW, December 22 (RAPSI) - Russia is seeking extradition from Italy of Dmitry Bezdelov, former head of the Federal Agency for the Development of State Border Infrastructure (Rosgranitsa), who stands charged with embezzlement, RIA Novosti reported on Monday, citing Sergei Patronov, consul-general at Russian Embassy in Italy.

Bezdelov is suspected in Russia of embezzling one billion rubles (about $17.6 mln) while implementing a federal program.

He was reportedly arrested in Rome in October after he had been put on the international wanted list.

A request for Bezdelov's extradition has been filed along with a document which contains up to 70 pages detailing the charges brought against the former Russian official, according to Patronov.

He said that Italian authorities may ask for additional information, and “the dialogue may be stalled.”

“The next hearing will only be held when the court studies the materials already received from Russia,” Patronov said.

Speaking about Bezdelov’s whereabouts Patronov said that there was no information on his location. "Italy maintains the secrecy of the investigation,” he said.