The investigation into the bribery case against Igor Ukraintsev, a deputy of the Novosibirsk City Council, has concluded. Ukraintsev is accused of accepting a bribe of 3.5 million rubles from a developer.

According to investigators, Ukraintsev extorted the money by threatening to disseminate damaging information about the developer’s reputation through the media. The Investigative Committee stated the funds were meant to influence decisions made by the Council of Deputies regarding urban development in Novosibirsk.

Authorities have seized the deputy’s property. The Central District Court of Novosibirsk will oversee the criminal proceedings.

Reports surfaced earlier indicating Ukraintsev demanded money from Novosibirsk developer Igor Belokobylsky.

Ukraintsev’s criminal investigation was made public on May 30, with charges filed for receiving a bribe exceeding 3.5 million rubles. He was placed in pre-trial detention on May 31.