By Ria Novosti. Moscow, Russia, 05:34 PM IST

Moscow, Oct 3 (RIA Novosti) A senior military officer of Russia has been arrested on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office, investigators said Friday.

Russian railway troops' deputy commander and chief engineer, Lt. Gen. Yevgeny Kornishin, who has been under investigation since April, was arrested after he allegedly tried to influence witnesses, investigation committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said.

'Kornishin is accused of embezzling through fraudulent action and abuse of office funds and a two-room apartment worth more than five million rubles ($194,000),' Markin said.

'Investigators have evidence that the suspect pressured witnesses, forcing them to give testimony in his favour,' Markin said.

Kornishin, 55, is also accused of illegally purchasing and storing ammunition, Markin said, adding that investigators were continuing to look into other charges against the general.

By Ria Novosti (Staff Writer, © IANS)