The stake in Bashneft was purchased in accordance with Russian legislature on the basis of best commercial offer made to the operator bank, a representative of Rosneft said, adding that the company would not comment on the Investigative Committee's actions.
A Rosneft spokesman, Mikhail Leontyev, said that the company saw no risk to the Bashneft deal stemming from Ulyukayev's arrest. "The deal is absolutely above board," he said.
Earlier today the IC spokesperson said that the Investigative Committee detained Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev on suspicion of receiving $2 million for the positive assessment provided by the ministry that allowed Rosneft to purchase the government’s 50% stake in Bashneft.
