MOSCOW, October 14 (RAPSI) – A criminal investigation into the chief executive of the world's largest potash producer Vladislav Baumgertner has been opened in Russia, RIA Novosti reported Tuesday.

Konstantin Solodovnikov, former Belaruskali executive, is another suspect along with Baumgertner and a number of other unnamed executives.

The investigation led by Russian federal investigators has just been opened, no further details have yet been provided.

Baumgertner was detained in Minsk on August 26 and charged with abuse of power. According to the Belarusian authorities, the criminal case against him was launched as the result of a probe into abuse of power allegations that led to grave damage to the public interests of Belarus, and damages to the company Belarusian Potash.

The charges followed a July decision by Uralkali to dissolve its international cartel with Belaruskali, sending potash prices spiraling down.

In September, Baumgertner was released from prison and placed under house arrest.

Russian authorities are preparing to submit documents for his extradition from Belarus.