MOSCOW, August 2. /TASS/. The trial of former Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev, who is accused of taking a bribe of $2 million, will begin at the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow on August 8.

"A preliminary hearing in case of Ulyukayev is scheduled for August 8 at 9:30 Moscow time," the court’s press secretary Emilia Khil told TASS. She recalled that the meeting would be held behind closed doors.

During the preliminary hearing the court is expected to decide on the petitions of the parties and set a date for consideration on the merits. The court will also decide how the trial will be conducted - in open court or behind closed doors.

Russia’s Investigative Committee charged Ulyukaev under Part 6 of Article 290 of Russia’s Criminal Code ("Taking a bribe by a person holding public office in the RF, in a particularly large amount").

Detention of the federal minister, which was the first one in history of modern Russia, took place on November 14, 2016. According to the Investigative Committee, Ulyukayev was detained on receiving a bribe of $2 mln. The bribe was given for the ministry’s positive expertise in privatization of Bashneft oil company. That allowed Rosneft to buy out 50.08% of Bashneft shares from the state. Moreover, according to the investigation, the case concerns extortion coupled with threats to representatives of Rosneft.

On November 15, 2016, President Vladimir Putin dismissed Ulyukayev from his post in connection with the loss of confidence. The former minister is under house arrest.