Russian governor suspected of accepting bribe of $454,000

In this photo taken Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, meets with Kirov regional governor Nikita Belykh in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia. Russia's top investigative agency said Belykh has been arrested on charges of taking a bribe. (Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

Russia's top investigative agency says a provincial governor has been arrested on charges of taking a 400,000-euro ($454,000) bribe.

Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said Friday that Kirov regional Gov. Nikita Belykh was caught red-handed while accepting the money in a Moscow restaurant.

Belykh has worked as the Kirov governor since 2009. Prior to his appointment, he served as the leader of the Union of Right Forces, a liberal party, a track record untypical among Russia's provincial leaders.

Markin insisted that Belykh's case has nothing to do with politics. He said the 41-year-old is suspected of accepting the bribe in exchange for preferences to a local businessman.

The Investigative Committee posted images of Belykh at a table with piles of euro notes apparently marked by police in front of him.