MOSCOW, November 30 (RAPSI) – Ex-Health Minister of the Russian Irkutsk Region Natalya Ledyayeva was arrested on Monday on suspicion of embezzling about 25 million rubles (about $330,000) amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Investigative Committee’s press service reports.

Searches were conducted at her place of residence.

According to the investigation, May through October 2020, Ledyayeva, her son and other accomplices conspired to steal the regional budget funds when executing a public contract for delivery of personal protective gears including masks and respirators for the needs of the regional Health Ministry.

It was established that Ledyayeva using her job position ensured the conclusion of the state contract by the Ministry. She knew that her son and other accomplices were aimed to supply medical items not publicly registered and not corresponding to the contractual conditions. These actions caused damage to the region’s budget worth nearly 25 million rubles, the statement reads.