MOSCOW, August 8 (Itar-Tass) - On Thursday Mayor of the Karachayevsk city in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia Soltan Semenov, who is suspected of budget embezzlement was detained, the press service of the investigation department in Karachay-Cherkessia told reporters.
“Today Semenov turned himself in for questioning to the detective, but refused from giving testimony, citing Article 51 of the Russian Constitution. He failed to produce any documents that he is ill and could not turn up in the investigating agencies for a sound reason. Taking into account these circumstances the detective decided to detain Semenov,” the press service said.
According to the materials of the criminal case, Semenov is involved in embezzlement of 19.5 million roubles, which the government of Karachay-Cherkessia allocated to Karachayevsk. The detectives noted that during the preliminary investigation Semenov, despite numerous promises to turn up for questioning, escaped justice and was even put on the federal wanted list.
The accused mayor is being kept at a detention centre in Cherkessk, the press service of the Russian Investigation Committee reported. The detectives are preparing to file requests for his arrest and dismissal from the post of mayor in the court.