Updated

The Russian intelligence agency says it is conducting a probe of several top-ranking crime investigators on suspicion of collusion with criminal gangs.

The FSB said in a statement on Tuesday that it is searching homes in the ongoing probe against unnamed employees of the Investigative Committee who are suspected of abusing power and taking bribes from gangs.

State-owned Tass news agency quoted a Moscow court spokeswoman saying that they were expecting three officials, including the first deputy of the Moscow Investigative Committee, to face the court later on Tuesday for a hearing on their possible arrest. The committee is the top investigative body, dealing with high-profile crimes.

The announcement comes a week after a notorious gang leader known as Sharko the Young was arrested in Moscow on suspicion of extortion.