UPDATE: Russian ex-min Ulyukayev investigation prolonged to May 15

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MOSCOW, Jan 10 (PRIME) – Investigation of a U.S. $2 million bribery case against former Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was prolonged until May 15 at a hearing at the Basmanny District Court of Moscow on Tuesday.

The court decided to prolong house arrest of the official on request from the investigators.

Investigator Roman Nesterov said during the hearing that several officials of the Economic Development Ministry and the Federal State Property Management Service testified against the former minister. He did not elaborate but said that Ulyukayev can exert pressure on them.

Several witnesses can be requalified as suspects under the case, Nesterov said.

Ulyukayev was arrested in November while allegedly receiving the bribe for a positive outlook on privatization of oil company Bashneft by Rosneft.

The former minister, who can face up to 15 years in prison, is under house arrest, initially ordered to last until January 15.

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