[JURIST] The Russian Prosecutor General's Office [official website, in Russian] said Monday that Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak is being investigated for allegedly attempting to embezzle $43.3 million in state funds. Storchak has been detained to prevent him from destroying evidence or intimidating witnesses, according to prosecutors.

Storchak was initially detained on November 15, along with Sodexim [corporate website] head Viktor Zakharov and Interregional Investment Bank [bank website] chairman Vadim Volkov. The three men allegedly misappropriated government money, which they said was to cover Sodexim business expenses. Reuters has more. Interfax has local coverage.