MOSCOW, October 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed to relieve the Russian Investigative Committee’s spokesman Vladimir Markin of his duties. The presidential decree has been posted on the official legal information website.

Markin himself has confirmed in an interview with TASS that he will serve as the First Deputy General Director of the RusHydro energy holding. "Yes, I confirm this," he said.

Markin earlier informed TASS that he tendered his resignation of his own accord, adding that he had long nurtured plans to change the line of activity.

A source close to the investigative bodies earlier said that Markin would change the scope of his activities, since he got another offer "where he will be able to tackle similar ambitious and responsible tasks."

Vladimir Markin who holds the rank of Major-General of Justice took up this position in the autumn of 2007. At that time, the Investigative Committee was part of the Russian Public Prosecution Office. He will turn 60 on November 23.