Senior Tatarstan official arrested over alleged bribery case

Fail Salikhov, head of the Housing, Utilities, and Transport Department in the government of the Republic of Tatarstan, has been arrested on charges of mediating a bribe worth 2.5 million rubles ($34,000).

The 61-year-old official is facing a criminal case that could carry a prison sentence of up to 12 years. Salikhov is currently being held in a detention facility, and authorities have also detained another alleged accomplice, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

The case reportedly involves Salikhov offering assistance to a local company in resolving a legal dispute with another business. He allegedly promised to influence the outcome of the case in exchange for the payment.

However, after the money was transferred, the expected court decision did not materialise. The business subsequently demanded the return of the funds, but the attempt was unsuccessful, leading the company to file a formal complaint against Salikhov.

The investigation is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli