Senior Russian official held on fraud charges in Moscow

MOSCOW

A senior Russian regional official was detained in Moscow on Friday on allegations of corruption, local media reported.

"Ivan Kibardin, deputy chairman of the Altai Krai government, has been detained in Moscow," the Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing a source in law enforcement.

The Altai Krai's regional government complex was searched on Thursday, the news agency reported, but no further details was given for the raid.

Russian state television reported that investigators have charged Kibardin with fraud, which he allegedly committed while in his official position, as part of an organized group, and involving a particularly large sum.

Kibardin was appointed deputy governor of the Altai region in Oct. 2018 to oversee the development of the tourism industry as well as to monitor compliance with legislation on urban development and regional state construction.