MOSCOW, August 19 (RAPSI) - The main military investigation department of Russia's Investigative Committee has rejected the initiation of the criminal case against ousted defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov and former head of the Education department of Defense Ministry Yekaterina Priezzheva, Kommersant daily reported Monday.

According to the newspaper, Priezzheva sponsored illegal purchase of furniture for Krasnodar Presidential Cadet School via her friend's company. She allegedly asked Serdykov to deliver the furniture using the funds of the charity foundation then headed by ex-minister. Moreover, she withheld from him that another company could supply the furniture at a lower price, Kommersant reported.

Prosecutors considered that Serdyukov has abused the powers of his office. Military investigators did not defined elements of crime.

Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov was dismissed amid a loud corruption scandal ensued in November 2012 to ensure the impartiality of the criminal investigation. He has so far been summoned for questioning as a witness in embezzlement cases linked to Oboronservis defense property services company.