MOSCOW, June 10 (RAPSI) – A criminal case has been opened against a former Kirov Region Minister of Communications and Information Technology Yury Palyukh suspected of abuse of office and embezzlement, according to a statement of the Investigative Committee’s press service.

Investigative authorities believe the former regional official ensured receipt and illegal payment of supplied special hardware components failing to meet auctionary technical requirements. These illegal actions caused damage estimated at more than 78 million rubles (over $1 million) to the state, the statement reads.

A measure of restraint will be soon chosen in relation to the suspect. Investigation is ongoing.