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Detention of Ulyukaeyv does not call into question Rosneft-Bashneft deal — sources

One source noted that the Bashneft deal and accusations against Ulyukayev are two different matters

MOSCOW, November 15. /TASS/. Detention of Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev on suspicion of receiving a bribe for clearing the Rosneft-Bashneft deal does not cast doubt on the deal itself, two sources familiar with the situation told TASS on Tuesday.

"The deal itself is not called into question," the source said.

Read also

Rosneft-Bashneft deal legal, not subject of investigation — Investigative Committee

Another source noted that the Bashneft deal and accusations against Ulyukayev are two different matters. "No one says that selling the stake, that the privatization can somehow be reconsidered," the second source said answering a question on whether charges against Ulyukayev call into question the deal itself.

Earlier today spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee (IC) Svetlana Petrenko said that IC detained Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev on suspicion of receiving $2 million for the positive assessment provided by the ministry that allowed Rosneft to purchase the government’s 50% stake in Bashneft. She added that investigators plan to indict Ulyukayev soon and petition the measure of restraint.

On October 12, Rosneft purchased a 50.08% stake in Bashneft for 329.69 billion rubles.

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Alexey Ulyukayev Rosneft Bashneft

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