Russian governor, 18 other officials arrested in high-profile corruption case

MOSCOW – Russian investigators have arrested the governor of the northern Komi region and 18 other officials in a high-profile corruption case.

The arrest of Gov. Vyacheslav Gaizer on Saturday was given extensive coverage on state television, which showed investigators finding a stash of cash and a collection of expensive Swiss watches in his office.

The television report also noted failures by Gaizer's administration to address problems in his region and showed President Vladimir Putin warning governors at a meeting last week that they needed to work "honestly and with total efficiency."

The intention appeared to be to send a message to other regional leaders that the Kremlin would do more to hold them accountable at a time with Russia's economy is being badly hit by low oil prices and Western sanctions.